Two held in Mansa firing case

DGP Gaurav Yadav on Friday said the Mansa police had arrested two people involved in a firing on a shop.

Those held were identified as Gursahib Singh and Ramanpreet Singh, both residents of Ropar. They had allegedly opened fire at a pesticide shop in Mansa on October 28.

Yadav said police teams also recovered two pistols — .32 bore and .30 bore— along with nine cartridges and six bullet shells from their possession. “The Punjab Police remain steadfast in its resolve to dismantle organised crime networks and uphold peace and harmony across Punjab,” he added.

Sharing details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bhagirath Meena said following the incident, they had formed several teams to nab the shooters. He said the police teams had received an input that the suspects were hiding near an under-bridge on the Barnala road.

‘Tried to escape’

The SSP said after their arrest, Gursahib Singh disclosed that he had concealed one more pistol along the railway tracks near Bhikhi Drain.

When police teams reached the spot along with the accused, Gursahib had picked up the pistol and opened fire at the police party. In self-defence, police retaliated. Gursahib received a bullet injury in his leg. He was shifted to the Mansa Civil Hospital for treatment.

He said a separate case regarding the attack on the police party had been registered. The police also impounded the motorcycle used by them.

The incident had attracted widespread criticism, with local traders observing a complete shutdown against the deteriorating law and order. State Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring had also joined the protest.