New Delhi: The special cell of Delhi Police arrested a key henchman of Dubai-based gangster Rashid Cablewala after an exchange of fire in northeast Delhi’s Jyoti Nagar. Wasim (35), a resident of Maujpur in northeast Delhi, was wanted in relation to a double murder that was executed on the eve of Diwali. He was shot in both legs in the encounter, but is stated to be out of danger.
According to additional commissioner Pramod Kushwaha, Wasim was allegedly in regular touch with fugitive gangster Cablewala and played a key role in coordinating the double murder. Cablewala was contacting him through Zangi app, sources said.
Wasim provided crucial details about the double murder case, explaining his role as a middleman between Cablewala and Anil alias Sonu Matka who was gunned down in an encounter with the special cell on Saturday. Matka had shot a 40-year-old man and his 16-year-old nephew on the night of Diwali.
Wasim’s arrest was made by a team comprising inspector Sunil Teotia, sub-inspector Akhil Chauhdhary and others. The cops had laid a trap after receiving information that Wasim would meet someone in Jyoti Nagar. When Wasim was signalled to stop, he tried to take a U-turn, but his motorcycle skidded. He allegedly fired at the police party, and in self-defence, the cops fired back, injuring Wasim.
A pistol with four live cartridges and one motorcycle were seized. The motorcycle was said to be stolen from northeast Delhi’s Jafrabad two months ago. “Technical surveillance confirmed his regular movements in the trans-Yamuna area, particularly in Maujpur, Seelampur and Jafrabad,” said DCP Amit Kaushik.
Investigators found that Wasim had been operating his jeans manufacturing unit in Jafrabad as a front for criminal activities. The unit served as a meeting point for gang members. Local intelligence suggested that he was instrumental in expanding the gang’s influence in the garment business sector in the trans-Yamuna area.
Police are scrutinising the financial transactions between Wasim and other gang members. Bank records indicate suspicious money transfers coinciding with criminal incidents. The team is examining CCTV footage from the Maujpur metro station area where the payment for the double murder was allegedly made. Police are also looking for Wasim’s brother, Salim Tillan, they said.
