Rishikesh, December 27, 2025: Notorious gangster Vinay Tyagi succumbed to his injuries on Saturday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, three days after he was ambushed and shot multiple times while being escorted to court in Uttarakhand’s Laksar. Tyagi, a wanted criminal with over 50 cases registered against him in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, sustained serious injuries to his chest, neck, and arm during the attack.

The Attack and Immediate Aftermath

According to senior police superintendent of Haridwar, Pramendra Dobhal, Tyagi was being transported to the court when two assailants on a motorcycle intercepted the police vehicle. The attack occurred when the convoy slowed down due to traffic congestion, providing the attackers an opportunity to block the vehicle’s path and open fire from close range.

The assailants, identified as Sunny Yadav alias Shera, 28, from Udham Singh Nagar, and Ajay Saini, 24, from Kashipur, were later arrested. Both had previous criminal records and were reportedly out on bail following a robbery case in Kashipur. Police sources indicated that Yadav had ongoing financial disputes with Tyagi, and that the shooting was premeditated as a revenge attack after Tyagi allegedly threatened him over repayment demands.

Two policemen accompanying Tyagi were also injured during the shooting, highlighting the severity of the ambush and the attackers’ preparedness. Tyagi was immediately rushed to AIIMS, Rishikesh, but despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.

Police Action and Suspensions

Following the death of Vinay Tyagi, the police have upgraded the charges to include Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, reflecting the gravity of the crime. A departmental probe has also been ordered into the dereliction of duty by three police personnel who were escorting Tyagi at the time of the attack.

Dobhal confirmed that the superintendent of police (rural) has been appointed to lead the investigation and take stern action against any proven negligence. Additionally, the two assailants, Yadav and Saini, are currently in judicial custody as police continue to investigate potential accomplices and the exact motive behind the attack.

Background of Vinay Tyagi

Vinay Tyagi was a notorious criminal figure in both Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with a history of violent crimes, extortion, and other serious offenses. He had been involved in multiple high-profile cases over the years, making him a high-risk detainee during transport and a target for rival criminals.

Police officials noted that Tyagi’s criminal network and past conflicts had led to several threats against him, but the attack on December 24 demonstrated the level of planning and audacity that rival criminals were capable of.

Investigation Insights

Initial investigations revealed that the attack was planned in advance. Sunny Yadav had been tracking Tyagi’s movements and coordinated with Ajay Saini to execute the ambush while Tyagi was on his way to court. The attackers blocked the police vehicle and fired multiple rounds, indicating clear intent to kill.

Authorities believe the shooting was a result of personal enmity intertwined with financial disputes rather than random violence. Police are also investigating whether other members of Tyagi’s network or rival gangs were involved in facilitating or aiding the attack.

Public Safety and Security Measures

In response to the incident, police authorities have reinforced security protocols for transporting high-risk prisoners, especially those with a history of violent offenses. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel and convoys, prompting a review of escort procedures, route planning, and risk assessment during prisoner transfers.

The suspension of the three police personnel is a precautionary measure pending the departmental probe, with the investigation expected to examine lapses in vigilance, preparedness, and adherence to standard operating procedures.

Wider Implications

The death of Vinay Tyagi highlights the persistent threat posed by gang-related rivalries in northern India and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in handling notorious criminals. It also underscores the need for stringent monitoring of high-risk detainees, especially during transit, to prevent targeted attacks.

Senior officials have reiterated that action will be taken against all parties found negligent and that the focus remains on bringing the attackers and any accomplices to justice. Police have called for cooperation from local communities and intelligence networks to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Current Status

As of now, the two attackers, Sunny Yadav and Ajay Saini, remain in custody, and police are conducting further interrogation to determine any links to broader criminal networks. The departmental probe into the lapses of the police personnel involved in escorting Tyagi is ongoing, and a full report is expected in the coming days.

The incident has also prompted heightened security measures across Uttarakhand and adjoining districts in Uttar Pradesh, especially in areas known for gang activity. Police officials have emphasized that strict vigilance and proactive intelligence-gathering are key to preventing such high-profile attacks in the future.