AMRITSAR: Punjab Police claimed a major breakthrough in the case involving the murder of Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjit Singh when it gunned down a key accused in a pre-planned encounter in Amritsar's Katra Bala locality on Monday evening. The police spokesperson confirmed that the encounter took place around 7:15 pm near the Shri Harmandir Sahib road when the accused, identified as part of a criminal gang operating in the region, was taken into custody. However, he allegedly attempted to escape and reached for a weapon, prompting officers to open fire in self-defence.
ASI Harjit Singh, a veteran of the state police force with over a decade of service, was found dead on Saturday morning near the same area after unidentified assailants opened fire on him. Local residents reported hearing multiple gunshots in the early hours before discovering the fallen officer. A case was registered at the Katra Bala police station, and a joint team was immediately formed to trace the perpetrators.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that the accused killed in the encounter had been tracking ASI Harjit Singh's movements for several days prior to the attack. Intelligence inputs indicated a possible revenge motive connected to earlier arrests made by the slain officer. The police have seized a pistol and ammunition from the scene, though investigations are ongoing to determine whether any accomplices remain at large.
Senior police officials stated that forensic teams and special investigation units have been deployed to corroborate evidence. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among law enforcement personnel, with several unions demanding stricter action against armed criminals and faster trial processes for violence targeting police staff.
