In a tragic incident that has stirred the police forces of Noida and Ghaziabad, Constable Saurabh Deshwal laid down his life fighting a gang of criminals in Nahal village, Ghaziabad, on the night of May 24. True to his courage and commitment, Deshwal stood his ground when others took cover, confronting a dozen attackers single-handedly—only to be fatally shot in the head during the clash.

The Ambush at Night

It was around 10:30 PM when a Noida Police team arrested notorious history-sheeter Qadir in Nahal village. As the team was escorting him back, a group of criminals ambushed them, pelting stones from behind the Panchayat Bhawan. While most officers scrambled for safety, Constable Deshwal took charge, engaging the assailants.

He managed to hold them off until a bullet struck him in the head, bringing him down. The criminals fled the scene, and Saurabh was rushed to Yashoda Hospital, where he was declared dead.

A Braveheart with a Legacy

Saurabh Deshwal, originally from Badhev village in Shamli, had joined the police in 2016. Known among colleagues for his fearlessness, he served primarily in special units. In his 9-year career, he had single-handedly arrested dozens of criminals.

His last call was to his wife, minutes before leaving for the operation. He casually discussed dinner plans, unaware that it would be their final conversation. His wife, devastated by the news, is left clinging to his last words.

Operation Without Coordination

The incident has also raised concerns over inter-district coordination. Despite knowing that Qadir had a strong local network, the Noida team entered Nahal in plain clothes and did not inform Ghaziabad Police. As a result, Ghaziabad authorities got word of the shootout nearly 45 minutes later.

Nahal: A Haven for Criminals

The location of the incident, Nahal village, lies along the Gang Canal and is notoriously difficult to access—comparable to the Chambal ravines. With unpaved roads and narrow canal tracks, vehicles can barely move at more than 20 km/h, giving local criminals a tactical advantage. Police teams, especially from outside, have often been ambushed and outmaneuvered in this area.

Retaliation and Re-Arrest

In a swift response, a special team formed by SP Ghaziabad re-arrested Qadir during an encounter early the next morning. The hunt continues for the rest of the gang involved in Saurabh’s killing.

Tributes Pour In

As the news of Constable Deshwal’s martyrdom spread, tributes have been pouring in from across the state. He is being hailed as a true hero, someone who stood against overwhelming odds to uphold his duty.