Amritsar, Nov 20: Amritsar Police on Thursday said they foiled an alleged targeted killing attempt linked to Pakistan-based handlers, killing one gangster in an encounter and launching a search for the second suspect. Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar noted that the operation unfolded after an intelligence input warned of imminent violence planned by two men working under the guidance of foreign networks.
Police had registered a case under Section 25(8) of the Arms Act at Chheharta police station on Wednesday, shortly after learning about what officials described as “a planned targeted killing attempt.” Acting on the tip-off, teams laid a checkpoint and waited for the motorcycle-borne suspects.
“When they were intercepted, the accused opened fire and the police responded in self-defence,” Bhullar said. During the exchange, Harjinder Singh—described by police as a history-sheeter with ties to foreign-based gangsters and ISI operatives—was critically injured. He was taken to a local hospital where he died during treatment. His associate, identified as Sunny of Attari, managed to flee under the cover of darkness.
According to Bhullar, initial scrutiny of phone records suggested the accused had been in “active communication” with Pakistan-based ISI handlers and gangsters abroad. Investigators recovered a Glock pistol, another firearm, and multiple rounds of ammunition from the spot. Officials said the nature of the weapons indicated the men were supplied with refurbished arms routed through Pakistan-backed channels.
Police refused to disclose the identity of the intended target, citing the sensitivity of the case. Following the encounter, a fresh FIR was registered under Sections 109, 132, 221, 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 25 of the Arms Act at Chheharta station.
Harjinder had been released on bail earlier this month on November 7, police said, noting that his criminal links had extended to handlers across the border.
