Batala, a city in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, is witnessing an alarming rise in gangster-related violence that presents a formidable challenge for its newly appointed Senior Superintendent of Police Gulneet Singh Khurana. The police chief faces the daunting task of curbing organized crime after six separate shooting incidents occurred within just ten days, creating widespread concern among local residents.
Spate of Violence Grips Batala
The recent wave of criminal activities began with a shooting at a car decoration shop in Batala's Ajit Singh Nagar on June 21, where two unidentified assailants opened fire. This was quickly followed by another incident at a garment store in the Kadian Road area the next day. The pattern continued with attacks at a gym and a dairy farm, indicating a systematic targeting of businesses across the city.
SSP Khurana, who assumed charge on June 17, immediately found himself confronting this escalating law and order situation. Most shootings occurred between 9 pm and midnight, suggesting criminals are becoming increasingly bold in their operations. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported in these incidents, though property damage and psychological trauma among business owners have been significant.
Police Response and Investigation Findings
The Batala police have responded to the crisis with multiple strategic interventions. Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the shootings, while several others remain under police scrutiny. Investigators have determined that many suspects have connections to Canada-based gangster Lakhbir Singh, alias Landa, indicating possible international links to local criminal activities.
SSP Khurana revealed that the police have identified two primary motives behind the attacks. Some incidents appear to be extortion attempts, where criminals demand money from business owners. Others seem connected to personal rivalries and ongoing disputes between different groups. The police have registered separate cases for each shooting incident and are pursuing multiple investigative angles simultaneously.
Law enforcement agencies are employing several tactics to combat the gangster menace. Nakas (checkpoints) have been established at strategic locations throughout the district to monitor suspicious movements. The police are also conducting thorough background checks on criminals recently released from jail, recognizing that some may have returned to illegal activities.
Broader Pattern of Organized Crime
The situation in Batala reflects a larger pattern of gangster activity affecting the entire state of Punjab. Police investigations have uncovered connections to gangsters based abroad, particularly in countries like Canada, from where they allegedly direct operations in India. This international dimension complicates law enforcement efforts and requires coordinated approaches across jurisdictions.
The modus operandi typically involves local criminals executing orders received from their overseas handlers. These networks use sophisticated communication channels and often employ young, impressionable individuals to carry out ground operations. The police face the additional challenge of preventing youth from being lured into criminal networks, which often promise quick money and notoriety.
SSP Khurana emphasized that addressing this problem requires a multi-pronged strategy combining aggressive policing with community engagement and preventive measures. The police are working to strengthen intelligence gathering while also encouraging public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.
As Batala's new police chief settles into his role, the escalating gang violence represents his most immediate test. The coming weeks will prove crucial in determining whether enhanced police measures can successfully curb the activities of criminal elements and restore a sense of security among the city's residents and business community.
