GURGAON: Videos recorded by residents from their balconies capture the sound of relentless gunfire and anxious voices as a late-night encounter unfolded in Gurgaon's upscale Sushant Lok colony.The footage shows people peering from windows as police exchanged fire with five alleged hired hitmen, who investigators say had been sent to a 36-year-old businessman's home by UK-based gangster Deepak Nandal over an alleged Rs 10 crore extortion demand.As the shooting intensified, police vehicles with flashing blue beacons sealed off the lane with barricades.

Residents say they initially mistook the gunshots for firecrackers before realising an armed confrontation was unfolding outside their homes.

"The encounter happened right behind our society, near the rear gate. Our first priority was the safety of residents," said Rajeev Sinha, president of the Essel Tower Residents' Welfare Association. He said security guards were instructed to lock the gates and prevent anyone from stepping outside because of the risk of stray bullets.One resident, who watched the scene from a first-floor verandah, said they returned indoors after noticing smoke and sensing that "something didn't feel right".

"Later, we learnt those were actual gunshots," the resident said.Another resident, who has lived in Sushant Lok for more than 20 years, said most families switched off their lights and stayed inside. "It felt like a scene from a movie — except it was happening outside our doors," the resident said.Police said the encounter took place after the alleged hitmen arrived at the businessman's house.Investigators allege the group opened fire when intercepted, triggering an exchange of gunfire in the residential lane that lasted around two minutes.