Chandigarh/Batala, February 27: Batala Police shot dead Mohit, a key accused in the Jaintipur and Raimal blast cases, during an encounter late Thursday.
According to the police, Mohit, linked to a Pak-ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) module, fired at officers while being taken for a weapons recovery, prompting them to retaliate.
The development came hours after police arrested Mohit and Vishal, both from Batala, for their involvement in the explosions, which were claimed on social media by USA-based terrorist Happy Passia.
The module was allegedly operated by Pakistan-based Harvinder Rinda and Passia.
Pertinently, a blast occurred at a Punjab Police constable’s residence in Raimal on February 17, while another explosion was reported at Pappu Jaitipuria’s home in Amritsar on January 15.
DIG Border Range Satinder Singh said Mohit, upon reaching the recovery site, attempted to escape by opening fire. Police retaliated, and he was taken to Civil Hospital Batala, where doctors declared him dead. A .30 bore pistol used by Mohit was recovered.
One police officer was injured in the exchange of fire.
SSP Batala Suhail Qasim Mir said two more suspects have been identified, and a manhunt is underway. Further recoveries are expected.
