Bengaluru: The K. G. Halli police on Thursday shot a notorious sharpshooter, identified as Khaleel alias Dynamic Khaleel (38) of Venkateshapura, in both his legs in the wee hours.
The sharpshooter, who had underworld links, was an associate of Mangalore underworld don Rasheed Malabari. K G Halli police inspector Ajay Sarathy and team got information from their source about Khaleel’s presence in Erulli Garden at K G Halli.
When the police surrounded him, Khaleel opened fire at the police from his weapon. The police warned him and shot some bullets in the air asking him to surrender. However, Khaleel was in no mood to surrender as he continued to fire at the police. The police retaliated and shot him in both the legs. Khaleel collapsed on the spot and he was admitted to Victoria Hospital. No policemen were injured in the incident.
The police maintained that the accused Khaleel was carrying an Italian (.6mm) pistol illegally. The police are ascertaining facts about how he got the pistol without possessing a license.
Khaleel, a dreaded criminal, has as many as 16 serious crime cases against him. He used his pistol to threaten people and extort them. He randomly used to fire in the air to instil fear among people and victims and would disappear after extorting money.
Khaleel had gone missing since the last five years and the police were unable to catch him in spite of launching a hunt for him.
Six months ago, Khaleel had shot his rival Chutney Saleem and had escaped from the scene. Police said Khaleel had lived away from his family and he had attachment with none of his family members.
Khaleel, regarded as a sharpshooter, took to crime when he was just 18 years old. He was arrested in connection with a murder case and jailed in the case.
He has a murder, three attempts to murder cases, robbery attempts, robberies and extortion cases against him. He was also involved in kidnap cases and threatening cases. He was also a rowdy-sheeter.
The court had issued a warrant against Khaleel asking him to appear in court. But, the sharpshooter did not bother about the court order.
Khaleel used to fire bullets when someone protested while robbing them. The police are investigating into his involvement in contract (supari) killings and are also looking into his role in the underworld activities and his political connections.
Khaleel had remained elusive all these years and his case has been a challenge to the police. His free run has been halted by the police. East DCP Dr Sharanappa has appreciated the work of the K.G. Halli police and lauded the efforts of inspector Ajay Sarathy and PSI Nagaraj.
