Suspect in 2 Punjab cops’ killing shot in Gurdaspur encounter, another nabbed
Third associate at large; police claim ISI hand in border post killings
The Punjab Police shot dead a youth in an encounter and arrested another for their alleged involvement in the murder of two policemen in Gurdaspur, an officer said on Wednesday.
The deceased was identified as Ranjit Singh (19) of Adhian village, while the police arrested Dilawer Singh (21) of Alinangal village in connection with the case.
Unanswered questions
How did suspect Ranjit obtain a bike and a pistol during the 3 hours after his escape till his encounter at 6 am?
Why did police allegedly remove CCTVs from Ranjit’s locality before taking him into custody, as claimed by his relatives?
Why was Ranjit taken to Puranashala instead of being dealt with through legal procedures, his family asks?
Ranjit’s family demands an inquiry into SHO Gurmeet Singh’s injury, questioning whether it was genuine or self‑inflicted.
Their associate, Inderjit Singh (20) of Adhian village, is reportedly on the run. According to the police, the trio was allegedly roped in by Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency ISI to carry out the killings in return for money.
On Sunday, Assistant Sub-Inspector Gurnam Singh and Home Guard Ashok Kumar were found dead with gunshot wounds at a checkpost at Adhian village, located about 2 km from the Pakistan border.
Addressing a press conference in Gurdaspur, DIG (Border Range) Sandeep Goel said Ranjit Singh was picked up from his village in the early hours today. “He was being taken to the site where he had hidden the pistol used in the killings when the jeep overturned near Gahlri village due to fog. Taking advantage of the situation, he escaped,” said the DIG.
“Ranjit Singh, who was riding a motorcycle, was asked to stop by a police team led by CIA SHO Gurmeet Singh. He slipped after his bike skidded. Seeing that he was cornered, he opened fire at the police. In retaliatory fire, he was injured and taken to the Gurdaspur Civil Hospital where he was declared brought dead. The SHO also sustained injuries,” the DIG said.
Sources said the police jeep reportedly overturned around 3 am, while Ranjit was fatally injured around 6 am in an encounter several kilometres away in Puranashala. When asked how Ranjit obtained a bike and a pistol, the DIG said, “This is a matter of investigation. We will answer in the court.”
