In a significant breakthrough, the Bathinda police have successfully thwarted a planned targeted killing with the arrest of three individuals allegedly connected to the notorious Arsh Dalla gang. The operation also led to the recovery of a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition.
Joint Operation Nabs Accused on Goniana Road
The arrests were made during a meticulously planned joint operation conducted by the counter-intelligence (CI) wing and the local Bathinda police. The suspects were apprehended on Goniana Road in Bathinda. The police action came after receiving specific intelligence about the gang's plans, preventing a potential violent incident in the region.
Weapons Seized and Accused Identified
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav provided details on Tuesday, stating that the police seized a significant arsenal from the arrested men. The recovered items include:
- Four illegal pistols: One Glock, one Zigana, one .30-bore pistol, and one .32-bore pistol.
- Four magazines.
- 26 live cartridges.
- A car without a registration number plate.
The three accused have been identified as Kuldeep Singh of Bathinda, Gurwinder Singh of Kotshamir, Bathinda, and Gagandeep Singh of Bhokhra village, Bathinda.
Canada Connection and Gang Rivalry Motive
DGP Yadav revealed a critical detail, stating that one of the accused, Kuldeep Singh, had recently arrived from Canada specifically to execute the shooting. This points to the transnational links of certain criminal networks operating in Punjab.
Bathinda Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amneet Kondal indicated that the planned attack was part of an ongoing inter-gang rivalry. The police believe the trio was actively involved in this violent feud, which prompted the planned targeted killing. Following the arrests, a formal First Information Report (FIR) has been registered to proceed with the legal case against the suspects.
The successful operation underscores the vigilance of the Punjab Police in tackling organized crime and preempting violent acts, potentially saving lives and maintaining law and order in the Bathinda district.
