Moga, October 10 — A wanted criminal was injured and arrested after an exchange of fire with the Baghapurana police team in Moga district during the early hours of Friday, officials said.
According to police, the encounter occurred when a team acting on a tip-off tried to intercept a suspect identified as Mehek Singh, a resident of Raunta village, who was riding a motorcycle along Jaisinghwala Road and carrying illegal weapons. When signalled to stop, the accused allegedly opened fire at the police team.
In retaliation, police returned fire, injuring Singh in the leg. He was quickly overpowered, disarmed, and shifted to Civil Hospital, Moga, for treatment.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Gandhi said that two pistols, several live cartridges, and a motorcycle were recovered from Singh’s possession. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused was wanted in at least four criminal cases, including recent incidents of firing and extortion in the Baghapurana and Rajeana areas.
According to police records, Singh was involved in a firing incident at a grocery store in Mari Mustafa on September 26 and another extortion attempt on October 4, when a jewellery shop owner received a ransom call and several rounds were fired at his establishment. The accused managed to flee before police arrived.
Similar incidents of attempted extortion and firing in Rajeana have also been traced to Singh, police said.
“Our officers acted with courage and restraint. The accused, who has a criminal past, will face strict legal action,” SSP Gandhi stated, adding that the prompt action of the police prevented any casualties during the encounter.
A fresh case has been registered against Singh under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act. Police said further investigation is underway to determine whether he was operating alone or as part of a wider criminal network.
