Police exploring extortion, rivalry angles, early arrested expected

In the wake of the late-night firing incident at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Daljit Raju at Darvesh village near Phagwara, senior police officials have intensified investigations and expressed confidence that those behind the attack will be apprehended soon.

Naveen Singla, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Jalandhar Range, who visited the site and reviewed the situation, said multiple specialised wings of the Punjab Police had been roped in to ensure a swift breakthrough. Speaking to The Tribune on Thursday evening, the DIG revealed that the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Counter Intelligence units were actively assisting local police teams in tracing assailants and analysing the motive behind the attack.

DIG Singla confirmed that Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora was personally supervising the investigation with teams working round the clock to examine every possible lead.

“We are exploring all angles, including personal rivalry, extortion threats and political motives,” he said, adding that nothing was being dismissed at this stage.

He further said that given Raju’s role as coordinator of the state’s Yudh Nishan De Virudh (anti-drug initiative), the possibility of involvement of gangster networks could not be ruled out. Police officials said the pattern of firing and preliminary clues from the crime scene suggest the attackers were familiar with the area and possibly intended to send a warning.

While forensic teams continue collecting evidence and CCTV footage from nearby localities is being scrutinised, the police have also deployed technical surveillance and intelligence inputs to track suspects believed to have fled immediately after the incident.

Assuring the public of swift action, DIG Singla reiterated that the police were “moving in the right direction” and expect early arrests as the investigation progresses.