New Delhi: In a significant crackdown on organized crime, the Special Cell of Delhi Police arrested two key members of the dreaded Himanshu Bhau gang after a brief exchange of fire in the Narela area.
The accused, identified as Bhumit Malik (21) and Mohit Vashisht (24), were wanted for a sensational murder in Ritoli village, Rohtak, Haryana, in June this year.
Murder Linked to Gang Rivalry
According to police, the murder that took place on June 1, 2025, in Ritoli was part of a larger gang rivalry. The victim, identified as Anil, was allegedly targeted on the orders of gangster Himanshu alias Bhau.
Anil was the paternal uncle of Ankit, who had earlier killed Himanshu’s cousin Rohit alias Bajran and his uncle in March 2022. The murder was carried out by assailants on a motorcycle in broad daylight, sending shockwaves through the region.
During the investigation, it emerged that the killing was a calculated act of revenge masterminded by Himanshu Bhau, who is currently operating his gang from abroad. Bhau is known for his involvement in extortion, contract killings, and criminal activities in Haryana and the adjoining regions of Delhi-NCR.
Operation
On July 4, Delhi Police received a specific tip-off that two gang members involved in the Ritoli murder would be arriving in Narela with illegal firearms. A special team from the Northern Range of the Special Cell, led by Inspectors Anuj Nautiyal and Chandan Kumar and supervised by ACP Rahul Kumar Singh, laid a trap in the area.
In the early hours of July 5, the suspects were spotted riding a motorcycle. When police signaled them to stop, the duo tried to flee and opened fire.
In retaliation, the police returned fire and managed to overpower and arrest both accused. Both individuals sustained gunshot wounds in their legs during the exchange and were immediately taken to a hospital for treatment.
Police recovered two firearms, four live cartridges, and a stolen motorcycle from the accused. The bike had been reported stolen in March 2025 from Subhash Nagar, Delhi.
Confession and Modus Operandi
During interrogation, Bhumit Malik revealed that he had connected with gangster Himanshu Bhau through an associate in Badwasni, Sonipat.
Initially contacted for assistance in resolving a personal dispute, Bhumit was persuaded by Bhau to first eliminate Anil, the uncle of his rival Ankit.
Motivated by vengeance and the desire to gain favor with the gang, Bhumit agreed. He roped in Mohit and others to execute the plan. On the day of the murder, the group assembled in Ritoli and carried out the killing in the early morning hours using weapons supplied by Bhau himself.
Bhau, despite being outside India, was constantly in touch with the shooters and coordinated the entire operation remotely.
Post the murder, both Bhumit and Mohit went into hiding and frequently changed locations across several states including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi to avoid arrest.
Background of the Accused
Bhumit Malik, a resident of Mokhra, Rohtak, is a school dropout who took to farming before becoming involved in criminal activities.
Over the years, he developed ties with hardened criminals and was previously involved in several serious cases including arms possession, attempt to murder, and murder. His criminal history includes:
- FIR No. 386/24 – Arms Act – Urban State Rohtak
- FIR No. 135/23 – Kidnapping, Robbery, Arms Act – Kalanaur, Rohtak
- FIR No. 388/22 – Assault and Criminal Intimidation – Kalanaur, Rohtak
- FIR No. 138/21 – Murder and Arms Act – Jui Kalan, Bhiwani
- FIR No. 284/20 – Attempt to Murder – Meham, Rohtak
- FIR No. 328/19 – Theft – Ary Nagar, Rohtak
Mohit Vashisht, a native of Mahadoi Jaran, Rohtak, also dropped out after Class 10. He gradually became involved in thefts and robberies.
His criminal record spans both Delhi and Haryana, with cases involving armed robbery, extortion, and theft. Some of his prior cases include:
- FIR No. 265/24 – Extortion & Arms Act – Bawana
- FIR No. 282/23 – Attempt to Murder – Prem Nagar
- FIR No. 310/20 – Robbery – Alipur
- FIR Nos. 335/21, 331/21, 268/21, 259/21 – Thefts – Kharkhoda, HR
Ongoing Investigation
Police have informed the Haryana Police about the arrests, and further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other members of the Himanshu Bhau gang.
Authorities are also looking into the network of arms suppliers and financiers who may be supporting the gang’s activities from within India.
A senior officer from the Special Cell stated, “This arrest is a major breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to dismantle organized criminal syndicates operating in Delhi-NCR. We will continue to pursue and neutralize such threats to public safety.”
