In a major success for law enforcement agencies, a joint operation conducted by the Delhi Police Crime Branch and Bihar Police led to the killing of four most-wanted gangsters of the notorious Sigma Gang during an encounter in Delhi’s Rohini area early Thursday morning.

According to police officials, the encounter occurred around 2:20 a.m. near Bahadur Shah Marg between Dr Ambedkar Chowk and Pansali Chowk. Acting on a specific intelligence input about the gang’s movement, a police team intercepted the suspects’ vehicle. When officers attempted to halt the car, the gang members reportedly opened fire, prompting police to retaliate.

All four gangsters sustained bullet injuries and were declared dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital. The police recovered weapons, ammunition, and mobile phones from the spot.

Identities and Criminal Background

The deceased were identified as:

• Ranjan Pathak (25) — the alleged leader of the Sigma Gang.
• Bimlesh Mahto alias Bimlesh Sahni (25).
• Manish Pathak (33).
• Aman Thakur (21) — a resident of Delhi’s Karawal Nagar.

Police sources confirmed that three of the four men hailed from Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, while Aman Thakur operated locally from Delhi.

The Sigma Gang, led by Ranjan Pathak, had been active for nearly a decade and was involved in several high-profile criminal cases, including murder, extortion, contract killings, and arms trafficking. Pathak, considered one of Bihar’s most wanted gangsters, carried a reward for his capture and was known to operate a network that extended into Delhi and neighbouring states.

Details of the Operation

The joint team had been tracking the gang’s movement for weeks after intelligence indicated they were regrouping in Delhi. Police believe the group was planning a major criminal operation ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, possibly involving targeted attacks and extortion.

A coordinated surveillance operation was launched, culminating in Thursday’s encounter. Officials described the operation as a “significant breakthrough” against interstate organised crime.

Following the shootout, the area was cordoned off and a forensic team was called in to collect evidence. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. A detailed investigation has been initiated to trace the remaining members of the network and identify their financial and arms suppliers.

Police Statement and Aftermath

A senior Delhi Police officer said the encounter was the result of “weeks of intelligence coordination between the Delhi and Bihar Police.” He added that the crackdown reflects a wider effort to dismantle inter-state criminal networks operating between the two regions.

Authorities are now verifying whether the gang had local collaborators in Delhi who provided logistical support. Raids are underway in multiple locations in Bihar’s Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur districts to apprehend other associates linked to the group.

The operation has drawn praise from senior officials who termed it “a strong message” to organised crime syndicates attempting to expand across state borders.

Impact and Ongoing Investigation

Security experts believe this encounter marks a decisive blow to the Sigma Gang’s network. However, they caution that remnants of the group may still be active, and their neutralisation will require continued cooperation between state police forces.

The case also highlights the growing challenge of inter-state crime, as several gangs from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand have reportedly been expanding into Delhi and the NCR region in recent years.

The Delhi Police has vowed to intensify its drive against such networks under its ongoing operations targeting contract killers, extortionists, and syndicate-linked arms suppliers.