2 arrested for extortion after brief exchange of fire in Ferozepur

In a late-evening operation, the Ferozepur police arrested two persons for alleged extortion following a brief exchange of fire near Fatehgarh Sabra village in the Mallanwala area of the district.

SSP Bhupinder Singh said the accused, who are also believed to be close associates of a gangster, have been identified as Harjeet Singh, a resident of Talwandi Soba in the Patti Sadar area, and Dilbagh Singh, a resident of Jogewala village.

The SSP said sleuths from the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) and the Mallanwala police had received information about the movement of the two accused in the area. Following this, a joint naka was laid near Fatehgarh Sabra village by the CIA and the police team.

Singh said the accused, who were travelling on a motorcycle, were signalled to stop. However, on seeing the police team, they allegedly tried to flee and opened fire at the police, with one of the bullets hitting a police vehicle.

"In retaliation, the police also fired at them, during which both the accused sustained injuries," said the SSP, adding that both accused had been admitted to the civil hospital.

The police also recovered two pistols allegedly used by the accused. According to information, Harjeet sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg, while Dilbagh was hit in his left leg.

The SSP said both Harjeet and Dilbagh had criminal backgrounds. He added that the police were investigating the matter and that more revelations were expected in the case soon.