After retired Army brigadier's death, Uttarakhand CM Dhami orders crackdown on criminals in state

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like Dehradun: A day after a 74-year-old retired brigadier was killed by a stray bullet, the Uttarakhand police on Tuesday said they will launch a special crackdown — “Operation Prahar” — to strengthen law and order in the state capital. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami asked police to launch a comprehensive checking drive. (@pushkardhami/X)Retired Army brigadier MK Joshi died in Dehradun on Monday morning after being hit by a bullet when an occupant of a car fired at another vehicle in the middle of a high-speed chase triggered by a late-night brawl at a club in the city. ALSO READ | Caught between a club brawl chase, retired Army brigadier killed in Uttarakhand Earlier in the day, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said: “Law and order in Uttarakhand will not be compromised under any circumstances.” He also asked police to launch a comprehensive checking drive and directed DGP Deepam Seth to run a special campaign against individuals with criminal tendencies. “The safety and security of the public is the state government’s top priority and every necessary step will be taken to ensure it,” Dhami added, warning that officials found negligent “will face strict action”. Meanwhile, chief secretary Anand Bardhan held a meeting with senior officials to review the law and order situation. SSP Pramendra Dobhal said the case stemmed from a fight at the club, ruling out road rage. “The occupants of the Scorpio waited outside the club till early morning and then chased the Fortuner. During the firing, the brigadier, who was out on morning walk, was hit by a bullet in the chest.” “Four accused have been arrested, while seven teams have been formed to nab four absconding accused,” SP (city) Pramod Kumar said. The in-charge of Kuthal Gate outpost sub-inspector Ashok Kumar and deputy excise inspector Soban Singh have been suspended, police said.