Salman Lala Death: Indore Gangster with 32 Cases Drowns Escaping Police

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Gangster Salman Lala Drowns While Fleeing Police in Sehore

Sehore, Madhya Pradesh — September 1, 2025 — Notorious gangster Salman Lala, aged 28, was found dead on Sunday after drowning in a pond while attempting to evade arrest by the Indore Crime Branch. The incident occurred near Lasudiya Parihar village on the Indore-Bhopal highway. Lala, who had over 32 criminal cases against him, including charges of murder, extortion, and drug trafficking, was reportedly returning from Sagar after picking up his brother, Siddhu alias Shadab, who had been released on bail.

According to the police, Lala and his associates were intercepted by the Crime Branch team late on Friday night. While four of his accomplices were arrested, Lala managed to flee the scene. During the chase, he reportedly jumped into a pond to escape but failed to resurface. His body was discovered two days later, floating in the water-filled pit.

Background: A Life of Crime and Controversy

Salman Lala, born Shahnawaz, had a long history of criminal activities in Indore. His criminal journey began at the age of 13 when he was first jailed for a rape case. Over the years, he amassed numerous charges, including attempted murder, robbery, rape, extortion, and drug trafficking. He was known for his violent tactics and had a significant influence in the local underworld.

Lala’s criminal empire was not limited to traditional crimes. He was also involved in cybercrimes, operating multiple fake social media accounts to promote his image and intimidate rivals. His associates were reportedly involved in various illegal activities, including drug distribution and weapon trafficking.

The Final Encounter: Police Operation and Escape

The sequence of events leading to Lala’s death began with a drug bust operation by the Crime Branch. Two individuals, Piyush Chauhan and Satyam Jain, were arrested with a significant quantity of MD drugs. During their interrogation, they revealed that Lala and his associates were en route to Indore from Sagar. Acting on this information, the Crime Branch set up an interception point on the Sehore bypass.

When the suspects’ vehicle was stopped, four individuals were arrested, but Lala managed to escape. Police believe he jumped into the pond in an attempt to evade capture. Despite extensive search efforts by the Crime Branch and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), it took two days to locate his body.

Family’s Allegations: Was It an Accident or Foul Play?

The circumstances surrounding Lala’s death have raised questions. His family claims that he was an expert swimmer and would not have drowned in a shallow pond. They allege that the police were responsible for his death, suggesting possible foul play during custody. These allegations have sparked protests and calls for a thorough investigation into the incident.

The police, on the other hand, maintain that Lala’s death was accidental. They argue that during the chase, he jumped into the pond to escape and tragically drowned. An autopsy has been conducted, and the results are awaited to determine the exact cause of death.

Broader Implications: Policing, Crime, and Public Perception

Lala’s death has highlighted several issues within the criminal justice system. His ability to evade capture for so long points to potential lapses in law enforcement. Additionally, the allegations of police misconduct have raised concerns about accountability and transparency within the force.

Public reaction has been mixed. While some view Lala’s death as a consequence of his criminal activities, others see it as a potential case of police overreach. The incident has sparked debates about the balance between effective policing and the protection of individual rights.