Patiala, June 30: In a significant breakthrough, the Patiala Police on Monday evening arrested gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Babbu, son of Gurcharan Singh and a resident of village Nanhera (Ghagga), after a live encounter on Sirhind Road. The arrest was confirmed by SSP Varun Sharma, who addressed the media at the spot.
During the operation, police recovered six firearms, including a U.S.-made .30 bore pistol, country-made .32 bore pistols and revolvers, as well as .315 and .22 bore desi kattas (local-made pistols). In addition, 36 live cartridges and a stolen scooter from the Tripri area of Patiala were seized from the accused.
SSP Sharma revealed that Gurpreet had five previous FIRs registered against him involving armed robbery and theft. Recently, he had also committed a bank robbery after snatching a weapon from a security guard. Acting on a tip-off, CIA in-charge Pradeep Bajwa and his team located Gurpreet on Sirhind Road, where he had just received a parcel containing a .30 bore American pistol from his handler based in the U.S.
When challenged by the police, Gurpreet opened fire, discharging three rounds at the team. One bullet struck the CIA team’s vehicle. In a controlled response, the police returned fire, injuring Gurpreet in the leg, after which he was apprehended and sent to the hospital for medical treatment.
SSP Sharma said that Gurpreet was planning a major crime or a targeted killing using the illegal weapons. The police’s swift and strategic action prevented a serious incident. He reaffirmed Patiala Police’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against crime and said strict action would continue against criminal elements.
SP (Investigation) Gurbans Singh Bains and other senior officers were also present at the scene.
