Kaithal, November 12: A police operation against an alleged extortion racket culminated in an encounter near Padla-Guhla road in Kaithal district on Thursday morning, with police detaining two suspects from Punjab after a brief gunfight.
The two accused, Gurkirat Singh, a resident of Timovala, and Karambir Singh of Ranakalan, both in Amritsar district, suffered gunshot injuries to their legs during the encounter. They were taken to hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment, DSP Ramesh Chander said.
The case originated after the accused allegedly demanded Rs 1 crore from a resident of Padla village, falling under Sadar police station limits. The caller had reportedly threatened to kill the resident if the extortion money was not paid.
Following the complaint, Superintendent of Police Manpreet Singh Sudan assigned the investigation to the district’s anti-extortion cell to trace those behind the threat, the DSP said.
The police operation gained momentum on Thursday morning when the team received crucial information about the suspects’ location. An anti-extortion cell team headed by its in-charge, ASI Tarsem Kumar, subsequently reached the Padla-Guhla road to intercept them.
During the operation, the suspects allegedly exchanged fire with the police team. Both were hit by bullets in their legs, following which the police managed to overpower and detain them.
The injured suspects were immediately shifted to hospital. Police are investigating the case and further details are awaited.
