Punjab: Police gun down a criminal in an encounter in Amritsar

Amritsar (The Uttam Hindu): Police in Amritsar shot dead a criminal during an encounter, while his accomplice managed to escape. Officers recovered two pistols from the spot and have begun further investigation. The man killed had recently been released on bail. Given the border proximity, police are also examining whether he had links to weapons smuggling from Pakistan.

Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar told IANS that the Anti-Gangster Operation Cell received secret information that criminal Harjinder Singh, along with an associate, was planning a targeted killing in the Chhata area.

Following the tip-off, a checkpoint was set up at Link Road, where vehicles were being inspected. When Harjinder Singh and his companion spotted the police, they attempted to flee.

Commissioner Bhullar said the police asked them to surrender and even fired warning shots into the air. However, Harjinder Singh opened fire on the police team and continued shooting. He fired four rounds. In the retaliatory action, an encounter broke out, and Harjinder Singh was killed.

His body has been taken into custody. He was a resident of Jajnagar and had a long criminal history. Five cases were registered against him in various police stations in Pathankot and Amritsar.

During the incident, his accomplice escaped into nearby fields. Before dying, Harjinder Singh reportedly shared details about him. Police are now conducting operations to arrest the fleeing suspect.