An encounter between Punjab Police and associates of designated terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa Harike took place in Tarn Taran on Tuesday night, resulting in the arrest of two gang members who sustained injuries in the shootout.
The police were surprised to learn that the weapon used by Landa’s aides to fire on the police belonged to a Punjab police officer.
A 32 bore pistol and live cartridges were recovered from the arrested suspects Kuldeep Singh alias Laddu of Ruriwala village in Taran Taran. During interrogation, the suspects revealed the involvement of an ASI of the Punjab Police.
Asai, who is a drug addict, pawned his service pistol with the criminal in exchange for drugs, police investigation revealed.
According to the police, on the orders of Lakhvir Singh and Yadvinder Singh, the criminals used the weapon to fire at the gate of a businessman’s house in Tarn Taran. The criminals demanded a ransom of 5 million.
DSP Atul Soni said that the pistol was given by ASI Pawandeep Singh, who had a personal relationship with the criminal. “Pawandeep Singh is a drug addict and has been under departmental scrutiny for years. Although he was transferred many times, he was not suspended. He first worked as a reader of an SP rank officer, then as a Munsi, and was recently serving as an ASI,” said DSP Soni.
Police received information about the suspect’s location late Tuesday night. During another raid near Tarn Taran, criminals opened fire on the police, but no policemen were injured. In the retaliatory firing, both Yadav and Kuldeep Singh sustained injuries in their legs and were arrested.
A case has been registered against ASI Pawandeep Singh, who was suspended in the incident.
“It was not his service weapon; it was his personal gun. Investigation is on whether the weapon is legal or illegal,” said DSP Soni.
Why should you buy our membership?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be confused and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package