Rs 15L robbery accused held after encounter

The police cracked the Rs 15 lakh Mandi Gobindgarh robbery case with the arrest of two accused after a brief encounter toady.

The two robbers sustained gunshot injuries on their legs in the shootout while a police personnel was also injured. They have been admitted to the civil hospital. The police recovered two .32 bore pistols and cartridges from them.

Addressing the media, Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Rakesh Yadav said the robbers had decamped with Rs 15 lakh from the office of a Mandi Gobindgarh trader at gunpoint last week. He said the police had received information about their location in Mandi Gobindgarh, following which a team led by station house officer Arshdeep Sharma and CIA staff Sirhind set up a checkpost near Focal Point, Ambey Majra.

The two youths approached the checkpost on a motorcycle without a registration plate. When signalled to stop for checking, they turned their motorcycle towards the link road and a police party followed them. The accused opened fire at the police and the latter retaliated.

The accused have been identified as Jaideep and Basant, both residents of Moga.

After receiving treatment, both will be produced before the court. The police would seek their police remand to interrogate them.