The Amritsar Police have arrested two individuals allegedly involved in a firing incident at a businessman's shop as part of an extortion attempt. One of the accused sustained a bullet injury during a scuffle with police while trying to escape custody.
Incident Details
According to Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, several rounds were fired at the shutter of a businessman's shop on July 1. The shop owner initially hesitated to approach the police and was reluctant to file a formal complaint. However, after the incident came to the attention of law enforcement, a detailed investigation was launched.
During the probe, police discovered that the businessman had allegedly received multiple extortion calls prior to the shooting, indicating that the attack was intended to intimidate him into paying money. An FIR was registered under relevant sections of the BNS and Arms Act at the Civil Lines police station.
Arrest and Escape Attempt
Using technical surveillance and human intelligence, police identified the accused as Jashanpreet Singh (19) and Sajanpreet Singh (26), both residents of Veeram village in Amritsar. Separate police teams were formed, and both were arrested from Majitha on Monday. Police stated that Sajanpreet allegedly attempted to flee when the raiding party arrived, sustaining an injury to his right foot.
In a separate incident, while Jashanpreet Singh was being brought back to Amritsar, the police vehicle slowed near Madan Mohan Malviya Road after an animal suddenly crossed the road. Taking advantage of the situation, the accused allegedly scuffled with the escorting policemen in an attempt to escape. Bhullar said Jashanpreet forcibly opened the rear door of the vehicle and tried to snatch the official carbine from an accompanying Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI).
After allegedly grabbing the weapon, he pointed the loaded firearm towards the police. The officer immediately held the barrel of the weapon and pushed it downward to prevent the accused from opening fire. During the struggle, one round was discharged, striking Jashanpreet in his left leg. He was immediately shifted to Civil Hospital, Amritsar, for treatment.
Legal Action
Following the incident, police registered another FIR under relevant provisions of the BNS and the Arms Act at Civil Lines police station. Preliminary investigation revealed that Jashanpreet has one previous criminal case registered against him under the NDPS Act by the STF, SAS Nagar, involving the recovery of 260 grams of heroin. Police said further investigation is under way to ascertain the larger conspiracy behind the extortion calls and the firing incident, and to identify others involved.
