- Vinod Kana's murder planned for nearly a year.
- Rakesh arrested, Ajay absconding in Hisar shooting.
- Old rivalry with Ajit gang fueled the conspiracy.
The murder of Hisar’s wanted gangster Vinod Panu alias Kana had allegedly been planned for nearly a year, with several key details of the conspiracy emerging during the interrogation of arrested accused Rakesh. Police are now piecing together the sequence of events, the role of absconding accused Ajay and the possible involvement of others in the killing.
According to Rakesh, he and Ajay, a member of the Ajit gang, reached the Hisar court premises on a deluxe motorcycle at around 9 am on the day of the incident. The two were waiting for Vinod Panu and his associates to arrive at the court.
As soon as Panu reached the court premises, the accused allegedly became alert and began looking for an opportunity to attack him. They reportedly waited in the parking area for nearly five hours and 40 minutes. At around 2:40 pm, after finding an opportunity, the accused allegedly opened fire on Panu.
ALSO READ: Hisar's Most Wanted Gangster Vinod Kana Shot Dead Outside Court Gate; 3 Associates Injured
Ajay Fled, Rakesh Was Caught
After the shooting, Ajay allegedly fled from the spot. Vinod's associate Ravindra chased the accused and managed to catch Rakesh. Ravindra, however, was shot in the thigh during the confrontation but continued to hold Rakesh until police arrived and arrested him.
Ravindra was later admitted to the ICU of a private hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.
Old Rivalry Emerges In Police Probe
The police investigation has brought an old rivalry into focus. According to the investigation, Bittu and Vinod Panu were friends around 2008-09. The two, along with others, wrestled at the village playground and participated in competitions.
Their rivalry to outdo each other reportedly led to personal disputes, which later escalated. It is alleged that during this period, Vinod Panu was assaulted by members of the Ajit gang and suffered an injury to one of his eyes. He subsequently became known as "Kana."
Later, Ajit and Vinod Panu formed separate gangs, leading to an escalation in rivalry between the two groups. Vinod Panu was also accused in the shooting deaths of Raja Master and Bittu. Since then, he had allegedly remained a target of people associated with the Ajit gang.
Pistol, Two Magazines And Motorcycle Recovered
Police recovered a standard pistol and two magazines from Rakesh's location. The deluxe motorcycle allegedly used in the crime has also been recovered.
During interrogation, Rakesh reportedly told police that the weapon and motorcycle had been brought by Ajay, who remains absconding. The motorcycle is believed to belong to one of Ajay's relatives in Samalkha.
Rakesh, a resident of Kharad village and in his 30s, reportedly met Ajay through another friend while appearing in a case at a Rohtak court. He also worked as a cab driver in Delhi.
Police conducted Rakesh's medical examination at the Civil Hospital under heavy security before producing him in court. He was subsequently granted three-day police remand.
Investigators are now questioning Rakesh to establish the complete conspiracy, determine Ajay's role and identify any other possible suspects. Police are also examining the recovered weapon, motorcycle and other evidence linked to the case.
Vinod Panu's Last Rites Held In Thurana
Vinod Panu alias Kana was cremated in his native Thurana village on Friday evening amid heavy security.
The police investigation into the murder and the alleged nearly year-long conspiracy is continuing, with efforts underway to trace absconding accused Ajay and uncover further details of the case.