Notorious drug smuggler held after brief encounter with Amritsar police

The Amritsar Rural Police arrested a notorious drug smuggler, Harpreet Singh alias Happy, after a brief exchange of fire in Attari area here on Tuesday. The arrest led to the recovery of 534 grams of heroin, a PX-5 pistol, and two live cartridges.

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The operation was carried out on the directives of DIG, Border Range, Amritsar, Satinder Singh and SSP, Amritsar Rural, Maninder Singh IPS. The police team, led by DSP, Attari, Lakhwinder Singh and the SHO, Gharinda police station, confronted the accused during a search operation near Neshta village.

According to SSP Maninder Singh, the incident traces back to June 11 when the police attempted to stop Harpreet Singh and his associate on a motorcycle during a routine check. Instead of stopping, the duo opened fire on the police party. Tragically, a passerby, Gurjit Singh, alias Billa, a resident of Rasulpur in Tarn Taran, was shot and killed during the exchange of fire. In the ensuing chaos, a suspicious object fell from the motorcycle, later discovered to be a packet containing 5 kg of heroin. A case was immediately registered at the Gharinda police station, and a detailed investigation was launched.

Based on a tip-off received during the investigation, the Gharinda police learned that Harpreet Singh was hiding near the defence drain area in Attari. Acting swiftly, the police team pursued the accused, who once again fired at the cops. The police retaliated in self-defence, shooting Harpreet in the leg. He was arrested in an injured condition and was found in possession of a PX-5 pistol and two live rounds.

The SSP further stated that investigations are underway to identify Harpreet Singh’s associates. “Anyone found involved in this smuggling operation will face strict legal action,” he said.