Tarn Taran police arrest two gangster associates in encounter

A joint team of the Tarn Taran police and the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) arrested two suspected associates of foreign-based gangsters Lakhibir Singh Landa of Harike and Satta of Naushehra Pannuan during an encounter near Jawanda village early morning on Friday. 

The arrested activists have been identified as Yuvraj Singh alias Jagga and Mehakpreet Singh, were injured in the exchange of fire and have been admitted in a private hospital, revealed SSP Abhimanyu Rana.

Acting on credible intelligence about their movement in the area, the police tracked the suspects near Jawanda village, a remote location off the main road. When confronted, the suspects opened fire on the police team, prompting a swift retaliation.

SSP Rana confirmed that the police returned fire, discharging four rounds and successfully injuring the suspects.

The SSP said that the two are involved in multiple criminal activities, including extortion and targeted shootings. They are accused in the firing incident targeting Gurpreet Singh, an AAP Sarpanch of Naushehra Pannuan, which took place on March 21. Mehakpreet is also wanted in connection with a grenade recovery case in the area.

During the operation, police recovered one Glock 9mm pistol and one PX30 .30 calibre pistol along with live cartridges from the suspects. Preliminary investigations suggest that the duo were acting under foreign handlers to carry out targeted killings in Punjab.

A case has been registered against the arrested activists by Sarhali Police, and further investigations are underway.