2 gangsters injured in Fazilka encounter; linked to Abohar bizman’s murder

Two suspected gangsters, who received bullet injuries in an encounter near Arniwala on Saturday night, were also involved in the July 7 murder of Abohar businessman Sanjay Verma, co-owner of New Wear Well Emporium, police said.

Officials said that based on inputs, a police team led by Inspector Lekh Raj, SHO, Police Station City Fazilka, conducted a raid in the Arniwala area. During the operation, two suspects tried to escape but were injured as police opened fire. Both received bullet injuries in the legs and were immediately admitted to the Civil Hospital.

The suspects have been identified as Sahil Josan, a resident of Chak Chukar, and Sukhpal Singh Palu, a resident of Arniwala. According to police, both have many serious cases registered against them, including charges of murder.

Police said that a case had been registered on April 22 under Sections 103, 351(2), 191(3), and 190 of the BNS, along with Sections 25, 27, 54, and 59 of the Arms Act. The case was based on a statement by Sukhwinder Singh, father of the deceased Sahilpreet, who had earlier alleged threats to his son’s life.

Sukhwinder said that 4-5 days before his son’s murder, some accused had threatened Sahilpreet over the phone, saying “We will not let your son live.” Sahilpreet, who was involved in several legal cases, including charges under the Arms Act, had attended a court hearing in a case registered on September 25, 2022, and was returning home from the Judicial Court Complex in Fazilka.

According to Sukhwinder, as Sahilpreet drove his car near Shivpuri Chowk, a vehicle approached from the opposite direction and deliberately rammed into his vehicle. Immediately after the accident, five assailants from that car and 3-4 others on motorcycles opened fire on Sahilpreet. One bullet hit Sahilpreet in the head, killing him on the spot. The assailants fled the spot.

Among them, Sahil and Sukhpal have now been arrested. Their alleged role in Sanjay Verma’s murder is under investigation.

Police said further investigations are underway.