From crime at 13 to Rs 750-crore loot: Who was Vinay Tyagi, gangster killed in Uttarakhand police custody
Recently, Vinay Tyagi, a gangster with over 58 cases and a failed political career, was shot while in police custody in Uttarakhand. His death has sparked questions about gang rivalry, police accountability, and a sensational claim of a Rs 750‑crore loot linked to him.
Dehradun: A sensational case of attacking a gangster in Haridwar’s Roorkee has shaken the entire state of Uttarakhand a few days before. On December 24, Vinay Tyagi was being taken from Roorkee sub jail to Laksar court.
During the transfer, two bike-borne assailants opened fire inside the tunnel road. Tyagi was seriously injured and admitted to AIIMS Rishikesh. He died three days later while undergoing treatment.
Attackers were the former members of his own gang: police
Vinay Tyagi, a gangster with more than 58 cases, was shot while in police custody. His death has raised questions about gang rivalry, police responsibility, and a mysterious Rs 750-crore loot linked to his name. Police said the attackers were allegedly former members of Tyagi’s own gang. Two men, Sunny Yadav and Ajay from Kashipur, were arrested in connection with the killing.
SIT formed for investigation
The incident shocked Uttarakhand, as Tyagi was killed while in police custody. To probe the case, Dehradun Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Superintendent of Police (Rural) Shekhar Chand Suyal said the SIT is looking into all angles, including gang rivalry and the role of other groups. Officials said no political links have been found so far, but gang rivalry remains a strong motive.
Early life of crime
Vinay Tyagi was born in Muzaffarnagar and later moved to Meerut. His first case was registered in 1985 when he was just 13 years old, accused of kidnapping.
In 1992, he was booked in Roorkee for another kidnapping case. By 1993, he faced charges of attempted murder. Over the years, he was arrested in at least 10 murder cases across western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
In 1996, the first FIR under the Goonda Act was filed against him in Meerut, followed by another in Muzaffarnagar in 1997. His name became feared in the region.
Gangster Act in Uttarakhand
Tyagi expanded his criminal activities to Uttarakhand. In 2016, he was booked under the Gangster Act at Prem Nagar police station in Dehradun. Police described him as the leader of an organized gang involved in kidnapping, murder, robbery, and dacoity.
The FIR noted that his gang created an atmosphere of fear, preventing people from filing complaints or testifying against him.
Political foray
Despite his criminal record, Tyagi tried to enter politics. In 2007, he contested the Assembly elections from Deoband in Uttar Pradesh under the banner of the Uttar Pradesh United Democratic Front. He lost the election but continued to maintain influence in criminal circles.
Recent case in Dehradun
In September 2024, Tyagi’s name surfaced again when his acquaintance, Dr Pramod Tyagi, filed a complaint in Dehradun. He alleged that cash and gold-silver articles worth Rs 4 lakh were stolen from his car. Police claimed Vinay Tyagi was involved in the theft along with an associate.
Rs 750-Crore loot allegation
After Tyagi’s death, his sister Seema made sensational claims. She alleged that Tyagi had stolen a Rs 750-crore loot, including documents of benami property belonging to a road contractor from Meerut. She said the contractor had hidden the valuables at a doctor’s house in Dehradun to escape an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid. Tyagi allegedly took the loot and planned to hand it over to the ED.
According to Seema, Tyagi was targeted so that he could not reveal the truth to investigating agencies. She accused Uttarakhand Police of being involved in the conspiracy.
Family’s allegations
Tyagi’s daughter, Tanvi, accused police of delaying his treatment after he was shot. The family believes he was framed and silenced to protect powerful individuals.
These allegations have added more mystery to the case, making it not just a gang rivalry but also a possible cover-up involving huge money.
Vinay Tyagi’s life was a mix of crime, politics, and controversy. From his first case at 13 to his death in police custody, his story reflects the deep links between gang rivalry, crime networks, and politics in western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The SIT investigation and the claims of a Rs 750-crore loot will decide whether his killing was simply gang revenge or part of a larger conspiracy.