7 members of Pardi gang held after gunfight

Mahendergarh: Haryana Police claimed to have busted a notorious interstate Pardi Gulel gang following a late-night gunfight in Mahendergarh, arresting seven alleged members involved in a string of serious crimes across multiple states.The operation, led by Mahendergarh superintendent of police Deepak, involved joint teams of the CIA units from Narnaul and Mahendergarh along with the city police. The encounter took place between 2.30 am and 3 am near HUDA Sector, close to the district court complex.Police said they received inputs about the movement of "kachhadhari" criminals linked to the Pardi gang, planning to execute a major offence in the area. Acting swiftly, teams were deployed to intercept the suspects, with surveillance and barricades set up across key routes.As the suspects reached the HUDA Sector area via Satnali Road, police attempted to corner them. Officials said the accused tried to escape and opened fire at the police party when asked to surrender. Police retaliated in self-defence, targeting below the waist. Two of the accused sustained bullet injuries and were shifted to the Government Hospital in Mahendergarh before being referred to a higher centre.The arrested accused — identified as Maniram, Abhay, Arjun, Virendra, Sunil, Chand and Vijay — are residents of Madhya Pradesh. Vijay carried a reward of Rs 15,000 and Chand Rs 5,000, and both were wanted in multiple criminal cases.Police recovered an automatic pistol with magazine and live cartridges, a country-made firearm, and burglary tools, including iron rods, pliers and wire cutters. A backpack containing housebreaking equipment further suggested plans for targeted crimes in the region.A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Arms Act. Police said efforts are underway to probe the gang's interstate network and linkages to pending cases.