Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Ajay Singhal on Monday said notorious criminal Gopal was killed in an encounter with a Sonipat Police team after allegedly opening fire on police personnel during an operation to apprehend him. He added that a head constable injured in the exchange of fire is receiving treatment and that Haryana Police will bear the entire cost of his medical care.
Singhal said the operation was part of Haryana Police’s sustained campaign against organised crime and hardened criminals. He stated that the force has been carrying out decisive action against gangsters and repeat offenders, sending a strong message that individuals attempting to disrupt law and order would not be allowed to operate freely in the state.
According to the DGP, the accused opened fire on a joint police team that had moved to arrest him based on specific intelligence inputs. During the incident, Head Constable Devender sustained a gunshot injury to his hand. He was immediately shifted for medical treatment and is currently stable and out of danger.
Singhal praised the injured policeman for displaying courage, dedication and commitment while performing his duty. He said Haryana Police stands firmly with its personnel and would ensure complete medical support for the injured officer.
The DGP described the operation as another important achievement in Haryana Police’s efforts to curb crime. He said no criminal would be allowed to create fear, insecurity or terror among citizens and that strict legal action against such elements would continue within the framework of the law.
According to information shared by the police department, Gopal, a resident of Atayal village in Sonipat district, was a habitual offender with nearly two dozen criminal cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, arson and other serious offences. He had previously been sentenced to life imprisonment in a murder case registered in 2010 and was later awarded another life sentence, along with his associates, in connection with a separate murder case in the Ganaur area in 2016.
Police said Gopal was released on a 70-day parole in February 2026. During the parole period, he allegedly became involved in several serious criminal incidents, including an armed attack at a liquor vend in Atayal village, assault, vandalism, arson, vehicle theft and an alleged attempt to kill a person by opening fire. After the completion of his parole period, he allegedly failed to surrender before jail authorities and remained absconding.
The police department said a joint team of CIA-1 and CIA Ganaur received information that the accused was moving around with the intention of targeting a particular individual. Acting on the input, the police team launched an operation to apprehend him.
When the police attempted to intercept him, the accused allegedly opened indiscriminate firing in an effort to evade arrest. Police said two bullets struck official vehicles, while another hit Head Constable Devender, causing injuries.
In response, the police team retaliated in self-defence and in accordance with established procedures. During the exchange of fire, the accused sustained injuries. Both the injured head constable and the accused were taken to Khanpur Medical College and Hospital, where doctors later declared Gopal dead. The injured head constable continues to receive treatment.
Sonipat Police Commissioner Mamta Singh said the operation was another significant success in the district police’s ongoing efforts against criminals. She added that Sonipat Police has recently solved several serious cases and intensified action against notorious offenders.
Singhal reiterated that Haryana Police remains committed to maintaining peace, ensuring public safety and taking firm action against criminals. He added that the campaign against organised crime would continue without interruption.