Notorious criminal Dharamraj killed in police encounter; illegal weapons seized

Vijayapura, Oct 30: Notorious criminal Dharamraj Chadachan, who allegedly had links with saffron outfits, was breathed his last at a hospital on Monday following a gun battle with police at Konkanagaon in Indi taluk of Vijayapura district.

According to Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Jain, PSI Gopal Hallur sustained a bullet injury during the crossfire. The sub inspector had apparently had gone to check the presence of illegal weapons.

35-year-old Dharamraj, who was a sharp shooter and ‘supari’ killer, died in BLDE Hospital here and Mr Hallur underwent surgery in the same hospital to remove the bullet.

According to hospital sources, eight bullets had hit Dharamraj; of which three hit him in the stomach, three in the back, and one each on his leg and arm. He did not respond to treatment and succumbed to injuries.

Mr. Hallur is said to be stable and is out of danger, sources said.

Dharamraj was wanted in over 40 cases, including murder, extortion and kidnapping, and was notorious for selling illegal weapons in the district. He, however, was reportedly in hiding in Pune. He had spent time in jail as an accused in the murder of Fayaz Mushrif, nephew of former Mayor of the City Corporation, and was out on bail.

Mr. Jain said the encounter took place during the search operation conducted by the police for seizing illegal weapons, which are found in large number in Indi taluk.

“During the search operation, the police team visited the Konkanagaon village. The police had received a tip off that illegal weapons were being kept in a hut there. While searching, Dharmraj, who was hiding in the hut, started shooting at the police party. In retaliation, the police fired at him,” he said.