Illegal Weapon Seized as Gosaignanj Police Nab Attempted Murder Suspect
Lucknow: The Gosaignanj Police have successfully apprehended a notorious criminal, Harshit Verma, who attempted to shoot a young man over a trivial dispute. The incident occurred at the Viruha crossing, where Verma, along with two accomplices, tried to fire a shot at the victim using an illegal firearm. The police were able to arrest Verma promptly and recover the firearm, live ammunition, and a metal rod used for assault.
Incident Overview:
On 1st February 2025, a team from the Gosaignanj Police station, led by Sub-Inspector Suresh Kumar Pandey, was dispatched to the scene of an attempted shooting and assault at Viruha Crossing, within the jurisdiction. The dispute stemmed from a minor argument regarding the speeding of a motorcycle. During the altercation, Harshit Verma, along with two accomplices, beat the victim, Kapil Verma, with a metal rod and punches. He then attempted to shoot the victim at point-blank range with an illegal firearm but fortunately, the gun did not fire.
The Crime:
According to the report filed by Kapil Verma, the victim, he was riding his bike towards Gosaignanj with his friend, Annu Verma, around 3:00 PM on 31st January 2025. At the Viruha crossing, they encountered Harshit Verma and his two associates, who confronted them over the issue of speeding. The argument soon escalated into a verbal exchange, followed by physical assault. When Kapil Verma refused to engage in further argument, Verma and his accomplices began beating him with a metal rod and punches.
The situation took a violent turn when Harshit Verma aimed his illegal firearm at Kapil’s chest with the intent to kill. However, the weapon malfunctioned, and the shot did not fire. The incident was immediately reported to the Gosaignanj Police station, and officers arrived at the scene within minutes.
Arrest and Recovery:
Upon reaching the Viruha crossing, the police team apprehended Harshit Verma and conducted a thorough search. The police found a .315 bore illegal firearm along with one live cartridge and a metal punch that was used in the assault. The firearm was loaded, and a live round was found in the chamber. The accomplices of Harshit Verma managed to flee the scene, and the police are actively searching for them.
Details of the Criminal:
The arrested individual has been identified as Harshit Verma (22 years old), also known as Harshit Soni, son of Dhani Ram Verma, a resident of Bazaar Madhya, Kasba, Gosaignanj, Lucknow. Harshit Verma has a history of criminal activity and is known for his involvement in prior offenses related to assault and weapons.
Criminal History:
- Case No. 54/25 under Sections 109/115(2)/324(4)/351(3)/352 BNS and 3/25 Arms Act at Gosaignanj Police Station.
- Case No. 402/24 under Sections 115(2)/351(3)/352 BNS at Gosaignanj Police Station.
Recovery:
- One .315 bore illegal firearm with one live cartridge.
- One metal punch used for assault.
Police Team Involved in the Arrest:
- Sub-Inspector Suresh Kumar Pandey
- Sub-Inspector Rajkumar
- Sub-Inspector Dharmendra Yadav
- Sub-Inspector (Police) Ashutosh Tripathi
- Head Constable Sarvesh Kumar Singh
The swift action taken by the Gosaignanj Police has prevented a potential tragedy. The arrest of Harshit Verma highlights the vigilance of local law enforcement in combating the use of illegal firearms and ensuring public safety. The police have promised to continue their investigation and are on the lookout for the remaining suspects. Verma has been sent to jail following legal procedures, and further action is underway against his associates.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing even the most trivial disputes with restraint, as violent outcomes can often be prevented with a calmer approach. The police are urging the public to report any suspicious activities to prevent similar incidents from escalating into life-threatening situations.
