Amritsar: Punjab Police shot dead a man during an encounter in Amritsar who had allegedly opened fire on an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) earlier and had escaped from police custody a few days ago. The accused, identified as Karnbir Singh, was killed after an exchange of fire in the rural area of Amritsar.
According to police, a team searching for Karnbir cornered him in the Kandowalia area, where he allegedly opened fire at the police, injuring an officer. Police retaliated, injuring Karnbir. He was later taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
A total of 14 rounds were fired from both sides during the encounter, police said. Following the incident, a heavy police force cordoned off the area.
ASI shot at during duty
The accused had allegedly fired at ASI Jaswant Singh earlier. Although the officer narrowly escaped, the bullet reportedly grazed his head after passing through his turban.
On the night of September 11, ASI Jaswant Singh, posted with the Amritsar Commissionerate Police Lines, was travelling on his motorcycle in the Rajasansi area when two motorcycle-borne youths allegedly followed him and fired at his head.
Despite sustaining minor injuries, the ASI managed to ride his motorcycle to the police station, from where he was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Police later arrested Karnbir Singh in connection with the shooting.
Accused escaped from police custody
After his arrest, Karnbir was produced before a court and police obtained five days of remand. However, on Wednesday night, he allegedly escaped from police custody while being taken to the Majitha area for recovery of the weapon used in the crime.
Following his escape, police launched a search operation and set up checkpoints at several locations to trace him.
CCTV footage helped police make arrest
Police had arrested Karnbir based on CCTV footage related to the attack on ASI Jaswant Singh. After obtaining his remand, police teams were also conducting raids to apprehend his associates.
The accused, however, managed to flee while being taken for weapon recovery, leading to a fresh search operation that culminated in the encounter.
TTH claims responsibility for ASI attack
The terrorist outfit ‘Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan’ (TTH) claimed responsibility for the attack on the ASI.
The outfit had earlier also claimed responsibility for the killing of an ASI and a Home Guard personnel in Gurdaspur.
Police have continued investigation into the attack and the accused’s alleged links with the outfit and his associates.