Mathura’s law enforcement struck a decisive blow against sexual predators on Monday night. In the Mant police jurisdiction, a tip-off sparked a raid that escalated into gunfire, resulting in the capture of two fugitives accused of gang-raping a woman. Rajkumar, 24, was wounded in the leg during the confrontation, and Durgesh, 20, surrendered after a brief chase—both hailing from Begumpur village.
The heinous crime took place on March 14 beside the Yamuna pontoon bridge, prompting an intense police pursuit. At approximately 10 PM the next day, officers surrounded the suspects in a secluded plot in Arrua Kheda, accessible via a rugged path from Radha Rani underpass. Desperate to escape, Rajkumar unleashed a volley of shots at the police, who fired back in legitimate self-defense, neutralizing the threat.
The injured suspect was promptly taken to CHC Mant for medical care. From Rajkumar’s possession, authorities recovered an unlicensed tamancha pistol of .315 bore, along with one live round and two empty casings. Revelations of their dark past emerged: Rajkumar is a repeat offender with pending POCSO and BNS charges. Police are now probing links to additional gang members and offenses.
CO Sandeep Singh detailed the operation, emphasizing the forest setting of the initial assault near Begumpur. ‘We moved swiftly on informant intel, and despite the gunfire, both are in custody,’ he said. Legal proceedings are underway, bolstering public confidence in the police’s resolve to safeguard women and deliver justice.