Accused opened fire during weapon recovery

Batala, 25 June (H.S.): An encounter took place today between a police

team and an aide of a gangster in Batala. In retaliatory firing by the police,

the accused sustained a bullet injury in his leg. He was immediately taken to

Civil Hospital, Batala, under tight security, where his condition is stated to

be stable. After the incident, heavy police force was deployed around the

hospital premises.

According to information, the encounter is linked to a

recent firing incident outside the house of a well-known cloth businessman in

Batala. A few days ago, unidentified attackers had opened fire targeting the

businessman’s residence. However, the bullets missed the target and hit the

house of his neighbour instead.

Taking serious note of the incident, a Special

Investigation Team was formed under the supervision of senior police officials.

During the investigation, police arrested Baldev Singh, who allegedly played a

key role in the firing incident.

SSP Mehtab Singh said that a total of five accused were

involved in the case. All of them have been identified, while two accused have

been arrested so far. The arrested accused have been identified as Baldev Singh

alias Karan and Khajan Singh, both residents of village Khajal under Ghuman

police station. Raids are being conducted to arrest the remaining three

accused.

The SSP said that during interrogation, Baldev Singh

alias Karan disclosed that the weapon used in the crime had been hidden at a

particular location. When the police took him to recover the weapon, the

accused allegedly took advantage of bad weather and rain, freed himself from

police custody and suddenly opened fire on the police party with a revolver

hidden at another spot.

Police immediately retaliated, and a bullet hit the

accused in his leg. No police personnel were injured in the exchange of fire.

Two empty shells were recovered from the spot, and a forensic team was called

for a detailed investigation.

The SSP said preliminary investigation indicates that

foreign-based criminal elements were behind the incident. They allegedly used

local accused to carry out the firing. The arrested accused have also confessed

their involvement in other incidents reported in Batala.

Police have issued a strict warning to gangsters,

shooters and their supporters. The SSP said action will not be limited to the

shooters alone. Those sitting abroad and operating criminal networks, along

with people providing shelter, weapons and financial support, will also face

strict legal action.

The firing incident had taken place late Sunday night at

around 2 am in New Top City Colony on Qadian Road. Bike-borne assailants had

fired six rounds at a house. The bullets hit the gate and walls of the

courtyard.

Businessman Varinder Singh, a resident of New Top City on Qadian Road, said

he had been receiving phone calls and voice messages from gangster Aman Anda,

who allegedly demanded ₹10 lakh as extortion. He claimed that he and his family

were threatened with death if the money was not paid.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH