Tarn Taran, 15 July (H.S.): Punjab Police achieved a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on criminals involved in extortion and firing incidents by arresting an alleged shooter following a police encounter in Tarn Taran district on Wednesday.

According to police, the accused, identified as Sahil Muradpura, was apprehended after allegedly opening fire on a police team during a special checkpoint operation. In retaliatory action taken in self-defence, the accused sustained a bullet injury to his leg. He was immediately shifted to a hospital for treatment. Police also recovered an illegal pistol and the motorcycle used by the accused.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Surinder Lamba said a joint team of the Central Investigation Agency (CIA) staff and City Police had set up a special checkpoint near KD International School on the Attari-Kapurthala road, along the Kasur drain in the jurisdiction of village Jarmastpur.

Police had received specific intelligence that suspects involved in the firing incident at Pannu Paint Store on Jandiala Road were moving through the area. During the checking operation, police signalled a motorcycle-borne suspect to stop. Instead of complying, the accused allegedly fired at the police party.

The police retaliated in self-defence, during which Sahil Muradpura was hit in the leg. He was overpowered at the spot and taken into custody.

The SSP further revealed that the family associated with Pannu Paint Store had earlier been targeted in a petrol bomb attack. Police had already arrested the accused involved in that case.

Preliminary investigation has now revealed that after the petrol bomb attack, another firing incident was allegedly carried out to terrorise the same family. Police claim that Sahil Muradpura was actively involved in that attack and had been absconding since then.

Police said further investigation is underway to identify the accused's associates, establish links to any criminal network, and uncover the full conspiracy behind the extortion and firing incidents. Further arrests are expected as the probe progresses.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH