Wanted criminal injured in encounter with Moga Police

A wanted criminal was injured and arrested following an exchange of fire with the Baghapurana police team in Moga district in wee hours today.

According to the police, the encounter took place when a team acting on a tip-off tried to intercept a suspect identified as Mehek Singh, a resident of Raunta village, who was reportedly moving along the Jaisinghwala Road on a motorcycle carrying illegal weapons.

When the police signalled him to stop, the accused opened fire on the team.

In retaliatory action, the police fired back, injuring the suspect in the leg. He was immediately overpowered, disarmed and shifted to the Civil Hospital, Moga, for medical treatment.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Gandhi said that two pistols, several live cartridges and a motorcycle were recovered from the accused. Preliminary investigation has revealed that Mehek Singh was wanted in at least four criminal cases, including recent incidents of firing and extortion in the Baghapurana and Rajeana areas.

According to police records, the accused was involved in a firing incident at a grocery store in Mari Mustafa on September 26, and another extortion attempt on October 4, where the owner of a jewellery shop in the same locality received a ransom call. Minutes after the demand, three to four rounds were fired at the shop, but the accused fled the scene before police could arrive. Similar incidents of attempted extortion and firing have also been reported in the Rajeana area, allegedly linked to the same accused.

SSP Gandhi said that the swift response of the police team prevented any casualties during the encounter. “Our officers acted with courage and restraint. The accused, who has a history of crime, will face strict legal action,” he stated.

A fresh case under relevant sections of the IPC and the Arms Act has been registered. Police officials said that further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused was operating alone or as part of a larger criminal network.