Two unidentified armed assailants allegedly opened fire on the police officer during night patrol; investigation underway

Chandigarh, 18 September (H.S.): An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) posted at Gate Hakima police station in Amritsar was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants while he was on duty late Thursday night. The incident took place at around 2:30 am in the Dana Mandi area.

The deceased has been identified as ASI Harjit Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran district. According to the information available, Harjit Singh was on patrol duty in the Dana Mandi area when two motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly targeted him and opened fire before fleeing the spot.

After receiving information about the firing, a police team reached the scene. Harjit Singh was critically injured in the attack and was immediately taken to Amandeep Hospital in Amritsar for treatment. However, despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

Police have taken the body into custody and initiated further proceedings. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area and collecting other technical evidence to identify the attackers and establish the circumstances behind the attack.

Following the incident, a claim of responsibility surfaced in the name of an organisation called Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan. Police have not officially confirmed the claim, and the motive behind the attack and identity of the accused are yet to be established.

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav expressed grief over the killing and said CCTV footage and other technical evidence from around the crime scene were being examined. He said the circumstances of the attack and the identity of those responsible would become clear as the investigation progresses.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also expressed condolences and said the Punjab government stood firmly with the family of the deceased officer. He announced ₹1 crore as ex-gratia assistance from the Punjab government, while HDFC Bank would provide an additional ₹1 crore insurance amount to the family.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH