Nawanshahr Police foil extortion bid; 1 gangster injured, another on the run

Nawanshahr Police on Friday, thwarted an extortion attempt after a brief encounter with two alleged gangsters near Ambedkar Chowk bus stand. One suspect was injured and arrested, while the other managed to flee.

SSP Tushar Gupta said the shop owner of R K Sweets had been receiving extortion calls, following which a police team was deployed in the area. The suspects, identified as Gurbej Singh and Gurjant Singh, both residents of Tarn Taran, allegedly fired at the shutter of the closed shop and attempted to escape on a motorcycle.

When chased, the accused entered a residential area behind the Satluj petrol pump and reportedly opened fire at the police team. In retaliatory firing, Gurbej sustained a bullet injury to his leg. He was arrested and initially admitted to Civil Hospital, Nawanshahr, before being referred to PGI, Chandigarh.

Police recovered two pistols from the injured accused. The second suspect, Gurjant, escaped and a manhunt has been launched.

Police sources said Gurbej has a criminal history with four FIRs, including attempted murder registered against him.