LUCKNOW: Two active members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Barar gang, allegedly involved in firing outside Bollywood actress Disha Patani's residence in Bareilly, were shot dead in an encounter near Tronica City in Ghaziabad on Wednesday, officials said.
The encounter was carried out in a joint operation by Delhi Police Special Cell, Uttar Pradesh STF and Haryana STF, they said.
The deceased were identified as Ravinder, a resident of Haryana's Rohtak and Arun from Haryana's Sonipat, they said.
A senior officer of the Haryana STF confirmed that both were shot dead and a personnel of the Special Cell also sustained injuries during the encounter.
"The duo had a direct role in the Bareilly firing case, which had sparked security concerns around high-profile personalities. The incident was suspected to be an intimidation tactic linked to extortion," an officer of Delhi Police Special Cell said.
Senior officers said further investigation is underway to trace other gang members who remain absconding.
Unidentified assailants had fired multiple rounds outside Patani's Bareilly residence around 3.45 am on September 12, creating panic in the locality.
A case was registered at the Bareilly Kotwali police station, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed immediate action in the matter, reiterating the state government's zero-tolerance policy towards crime.
Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order, Amitabh Yash, said that police examined CCTV footage, gathered intelligence inputs, and matched records from neighbouring states, leading to the identification of the shooters as Ravindra, son of Kallu, resident of Kahni in Rohtak, and Arun, son of Rajendra, resident of Indian Colony, Gohana Road in Sonipat.
Earlier, the officials said that a joint team of the STF's Noida unit and Delhi Police intercepted the duo in Tronica City, Ghaziabad.
In the ensuing exchange of fire, both accused sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The ADG confirmed that both Ravindra and Arun are active members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar gang. Ravindra has a criminal history and has been involved in several previous cases.
A Glock and a Zigana pistol, along with a large quantity of cartridges, were recovered from the spot, he added.