Gurugram Encounter: 60 Rounds Fired in 120 Seconds, Four Alleged Shooters Dead
For nearly two minutes on the night of July 9, Block A of Sushant Lok Phase-I in Haryana's Gurugram was the scene of intense gunfire. More than 60 rounds were exchanged between Gurugram Police and a group of alleged shooters outside a businessman's house, leaving four suspects dead and three policemen injured.
The confrontation began after police received intelligence that the Deepak Nandal gang might target businessman Vishal Berry, who had reported extortion calls. At 9:22 p.m., a wireless alert flagged a black SUV carrying armed men on National Highway-48. Three Crime Branch teams moved in and surrounded Berry's house.
At 9:50 p.m., the SUV arrived with its number plates partially obscured. Police said five youths were inside; four got out and opened fire on Berry's house and neighboring homes. One suspect recorded the attack on his phone, according to the First Information Report.
Police returned fire. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Naveen Sharma stated that when challenged, the accused fired at police to escape, and the police team retaliated. Five modern pistols, live ammunition, and the SUV were seized.
The deceased were identified as Sandeep (alias Deepa), a criminal with a dozen cases; Nitin Phogat, a motorcycle mechanic with a criminal record; and two minors—a promising javelin thrower and a daily-wage labourer. A fifth suspect, Shivam, was critically injured and later shifted out of the Intensive Care Unit.
The attack was allegedly ordered by Deepak Nandal, a music director-turned-gangster operating from abroad. The FIR names Nandal as an accused.
The news sent shockwaves through Bhalaut village, about 90 km from Gurugram, where three of the deceased lived. Two of them—the javelin thrower and the daily-wage worker—were minors with no prior criminal record, confirmed by both police and their families. Nitin, 22, had two cases against him in Rohtak for attempted murder and illegal possession of arms.
Villagers expressed grief and disbelief. “Crime and gang violence have finally found their way here too,” said Vinod Sheoran, a 40-year-old mason. Rajender, a 30-year-old resident, noted the heavy police presence at the cremation, saying he had never seen so many police in the village.
The incident highlights the spread of gang violence to previously peaceful areas. Police investigations continue.
