Three alleged Khauf Gang members arrested in Delhi by J&K Police SOG

The Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) has arrested three alleged members of the Khauf Gang in Delhi, including a man wanted in connection with 13 FIRs, officials said on Wednesday.

The arrests were made as part of an operation by Jammu Police and the SOG to trace absconders and investigate alleged organised criminal networks. Police said further arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.

Among those arrested is Karanjit Singh alias Gugga, son of Arjun Singh and a resident of Dablehar in RS Pura tehsil. Police said he was apprehended in Delhi during the operation.

Murder case among charges against key accused

Karanjit is an accused in the murder of Sumit Jandial alias Gataru and has also been named in 13 FIRs involving allegations of attempt to murder, assault, rioting, criminal intimidation and illegal possession of weapons.

Gataru, 30, was killed in a daylight shootout at Jewel Chowk in Jammu City on January 21, 2025, ahead of Republic Day celebrations.

Police have also linked Karanjit to the February 2026 escape from the RS Pura Observation Home, where he allegedly fled along with two Pakistani nationals. According to police, the incident involved firing and an assault on personnel guarding the facility. FIR No. 39/2026 was subsequently registered at the RS Pura police station.

The two Pakistani nationals, later arrested in Ambala, were identified as Ahsan Anwar and Mohammad Sanaullah. Their escape had prompted a high alert across the Jammu region on February 16.

Reports on the arrests said the Pakistani duo were subsequently caught at Ambala Cantonment railway station, while Karanjit remained on the run until his arrest in Delhi.

Two other alleged associates held

The SOG operation also resulted in the arrest of two other alleged associates of the gang from Delhi.

They have been identified as Naresh Kumar alias Major, son of Kamal Kumar and a resident of Arnia, and Rahul Kumar alias Sundi, a resident of Makhanpur in Bishnah.

Police said Naresh is allegedly involved in cases concerning violent assault, rioting and illegal possession of weapons. He is also described as a close associate of Sunil Kumar alias Gokul, who is absconding.

Rahul is facing a case concerning the alleged smuggling of narcotics into jail premises. He has been booked under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Prisons Act.

Police said the arrests form part of continuing efforts to locate wanted and absconding accused and investigate the activities of organised criminal networks. Further investigation is under way, and additional arrests may be made on the basis of evidence emerging during the probe.