In a major action by the Malerkotla Police amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Harpreet Singh, one of the accused arrested for the kidnapping of a 7-year-old boy, sustained bullet injuries while attempting to escape police custody during a follow-up operation to recover illegal weapons near village Salar, said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Malerkotla Gagan Ajit Singh here on Friday.
The development came a day after Punjab Police successfully rescued 7-year-old Bhawkirat Singh from Seehan Daud (Khanna) within 24 hours of his abduction with the arrest of two accused persons identified as Harpreet Singh (24) of village Bathan of Amargarh and Ravi Bhinder (21) of village Jagowal in Amargarh. While, their accomplice identified as Jaspreet Singh of village Seehan Daud was neutralized in retaliatory action after he attempted to flee in a Fortuner SUV and opened fire on the police at village Mandour on Nabha Road.
In recognition of the swift action, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav had announced ₹10 lakh cash reward and promotions for the police personnel involved in the operation. Pertinently, the operation was conducted jointly by the police teams of three districts including Khanna, Malerkotla and Patiala under the overall supervision of DIG Patiala Range Mandeep Singh Sidhu.
SSP Gagan Ajit, while addressing a press conference, said that to establish the backward and forward linkages, special teams were formed under the supervision of SP investigation Malerkotla Vaibhav Sehgal led by Incharge CIA Harjinder Singh and SHO Cyber Crime Manjot Singh.
During follow-up investigations, information was received by SHO Amargarh that the accused Harpreet Singh and Ravi Bhinder are suspected to be in possession of illegal weapons, he said, while adding that thus, police teams took the accused Harpreet Singh for the recovery of these weapons near village Salar.
Upon reaching the location, accused Harpreet attempted to flee by opening fire at the police party using the pistol retrieved from the spot, said the SSP, while adding that, the police retaliated in self-defence resulting in injuring Harpreet on his leg. The latter was taken to the Civil Hospital Malerkotla for treatment.
SSP Gagan Ajit Singh said that Police teams have recovered a .32 caliber pistol along with two cartridges from the spot. Further investigations are on, he added.