Tarn Taran, Jan 7: A gangster allegedly involved in the murder of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sarpanch was shot dead in a police encounter in Tarn Taran district on Tuesday, officials said.
The accused, identified as Harnoor Singh alias Noor, a resident of Kathunangal, was intercepted near Bhikhiwind while travelling on a motorcycle, police said. He was suspected to have played a key role in planning the killing of Jarmal Singh, sarpanch of Valtoha village, who was shot dead in Amritsar on Sunday.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Ferozepur range, Snehdeep Sharma said multiple police teams were deployed after intelligence inputs about the accused’s movement.
“Acting on specific information, a joint team of the CIA staff, Tarn Taran, and the Anti-Gangster Task Force set up a checkpoint. When the suspect noticed the police, he tried to escape and opened fire,” Sharma said.
He added that one bullet struck a policeman but caused no injury due to a bulletproof jacket.
“In retaliatory fire in self-defence, the accused sustained serious injuries and later died during treatment at a hospital,” the DIG said.
Police said Harnoor Singh had links with gangster Prabh Dasuwal and the Afridi gang, and investigations confirmed his role in reconnaissance ahead of the sarpanch’s murder. A pistol was recovered from the spot.
Jarmal Singh was shot dead at a wedding function at a resort near the Verka Bypass in Amritsar when two assailants, posing as guests, opened fire and fled. The incident caused concern as AAP MLA Sarwan Singh Dhun was also present at the venue.
Further investigation into the murder case is being carried out by the Amritsar police commissionerate.
