Jalandhar, 06 June (H.S.): A wanted youth died after sustaining a gunshot injury during a confrontation between police and his family in Bangiwal village under Mehatpur police station limits.

According to information received, police had been tipped off that Lovepreet Singh alias Lavi, who was wanted in an attempted murder case, was present at his residence. Acting on the information, Mehatpur SHO Aman Saini and his team reached Bangiwal village to apprehend him.

Police claimed that the accused was asked to surrender, but a large crowd gathered at the spot. According to the police, shots were fired from the crowd, prompting officers to open fire in self-defense. During the crossfire, Lovepreet sustained a gunshot injury. He was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

However, the deceased's family has strongly disputed the police version of events and levelled serious allegations against the police. Family members claimed that Lovepreet was in the bathroom when the police arrived. They alleged that as soon as he came out, police personnel opened fire from behind. According to the family, two bullets struck his upper thigh, leading to his death.

The deceased has been identified as Lovepreet Singh alias Lavi, a resident of Mehatpur.

Lovepreet's uncle, Chhinda Singh, alleged that the police had come to arrest him and that an SHO's gunman, who was in formal clothes, fired at Lovepreet from behind. People present at the scene recorded videos of the entire incident, which are now being widely circulated on social media.

SSP Harvinder Singh Virk said that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly investigated. He added that appropriate legal action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry. At present, conflicting versions have emerged from the police and the deceased's family, and the investigation is ongoing.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH