Amritsar, Nov 20: A gangster allegedly connected to Pakistan-based ISI handlers was shot dead in an encounter with Amritsar Police on Thursday, while his accomplice escaped despite a checkpoint laid to prevent a targeted killing attempt. Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the confrontation followed credible intelligence about a plot being carried out by two men in contact with foreign handlers.
Police had already opened a case under Section 25(8) of the Arms Act on Wednesday at Chheharta police station after receiving information about the planned attack. Officers deployed at a naka attempted to stop a speeding motorcycle, but the riders allegedly opened fire. “Our teams retaliated in self-defence after being fired upon,” Bhullar said, adding that the police returned fire only after the suspects initiated the confrontation.
Harjinder Singh was hit during the exchange. He was taken to hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His associate Sunny, a resident of Attari, managed to escape and efforts were underway to track him down.
Bhullar said preliminary digital evidence indicated Harjinder was “in steady communication” with ISI handlers in Pakistan as well as foreign-based gangsters. Weapons recovered from the scene included a Glock pistol and another handgun with ammunition, which police believe were part of refurbished consignments channelled to India for targeted killings.
The intended victim was not disclosed by authorities. A second FIR was filed after the encounter, this time under Sections 109, 132, 221, 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Section 25 of the Arms Act.
Police added that Harjinder, described as a notorious criminal with cross-border links, had secured bail only on November 7.
