Police–criminal encounter in Tarn Taran ends with arrest of two main suspects in sarpanch killing

Tarn Taran (The Uttam Hindu): Police have achieved a major breakthrough in the sensational murder case of Harbir Singh, sarpanch of village Thatthian Mahanta, after arresting two main accused in an encounter during a joint operation by Tarn Taran Police and the Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF). Both suspects sustained bullet injuries in retaliatory firing and have been admitted to the Civil Hospital under tight security.

Firing during police blockade

Senior Superintendent of Police Surinder Lamba said that police teams from Sarhali police station and the AGTF had been conducting raids at suspected hideouts since the sarpanch’s murder. During patrol near a canal in Naushera Pannuan village, police spotted two suspicious youths on a motorcycle. When asked to stop, the suspects tried to escape and opened fire on the police team.

Main shooter among injured accused

Police retaliated in self-defense, injuring both suspects in the legs and arresting them on the spot. The accused were identified as Sharanpreet Singh and Hardeep Singh, residents of Chohla Sahib. According to police officials, Sharanpreet Singh was one of the main shooters and was present at the scene during the sarpanch’s murder.

Further investigation underway

Both accused are currently undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital under police security. Officials said the murder was part of a planned conspiracy. After they recover, the accused will be taken on remand for detailed interrogation to identify other accomplices, trace the source of weapons, and uncover the motive behind t

he crime.