3rd encounter in 2 days; robbery suspect injured

In yet another police encounter, a notorious criminal linked to a foreign-based gangster was injured in firing on the Batala road here on Friday. He was being taken to the crime spot by the police for the recovery of a weapon when he opened fire on police personnel.

Jaskirat Singh, alias Sahil, along with his accomplice Anmol Buta Singh was arrested by the police on November 19 in connection with a robbery case in which a woman was looted at gunpoint around a week ago. Investigators found that Anmol was riding a motorcycle while Jaskirat, who used a Glock pistol to commit the snatching, was riding pillion. This is the third police encounter reported in Amritsar within two days.

According to Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, Jaskirat sustained a gunshot injury after he allegedly opened fire on a police team during the weapon recovery operation. In self-defence, cops fired at Jaskirat leaving him injured. The police also recovered the Austria-made Glock 9mm pistol used in the crime.

“During custodial interrogation, Jaskirat disclosed that he had concealed the weapon and was being taken to the crime spot by the police for recovery. However, at the location, he allegedly grabbed the hidden pistol and fired at the police party, aiming at Inspector Jasjit Singh with intent to kill him,” Bhullar said.

In response, Jasjit Singh fired a single shot from his service weapon in self-defence, injuring Jaskirat in the right leg. The accused was immediately shifted to hospital.

A fresh FIR under Section 109 (Attempt to murder), BNS Act, and Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act was registered at the Mohkampura police station for firing at the police personnel.

The police said both accused were already wanted in two previous firing incidents. They had allegedly opened fire outside the Five Star Immigration Visa Consultancy office in Tarn Taran in an extortion-linked case and another outside a house in the Lopoke area.

Investigators have further uncovered their links with foreign-based gangster Gurdev Jaisal, reportedly directing them from abroad.

The police said investigation is under way to ascertain the duo’s broader criminal network and confirm the role of foreign handlers.