Gurdaspur Police Neutralize Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Two Officers
In a dramatic escalation of the investigation into the brutal murder of two policemen, authorities in Gurdaspur district have shot dead one suspect and arrested another. The incident, which occurred in Adhian village on Saturday night, has taken a serious turn with police alleging a clear cross-border connection involving Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Details of the Suspects and Alleged ISI Link
Police identified the slain suspect as Ranjit Singh, a resident of Adhian village. The arrested individual is Dilawar Singh, aged 19, from Ali Nangal village. A third accused, Inderjit Singh, 21, also from Adhian, remains absconding and is believed to be an ISI-linked recruiter and handler.
According to DIG-border range Sandeep Goel, Inderjit was in direct contact with ISI handlers in Pakistan and recruited Ranjit and Dilawar to carry out the murders. The victims were ASI Gurnam Singh and home guard jawan Ashok Kumar, who were shot at a police outpost in Adhian. Goel stated that the motive was to spread terror and disturb communal harmony in the region.
Chaotic Events Leading to Suspect's Death
The police operation took a chaotic turn late Tuesday night. Authorities nabbed Ranjit Singh and, based on his confession, took him around 3 am to recover the murder weapon. However, due to heavy fog, the police vehicle overturned, injuring four officers and enabling Ranjit to escape on a motorcycle.
After a couple of hours of intense searching, he was traced to the Purana Shala area. Upon confrontation, Ranjit fired at police, injuring crime investigation agency inspector Gurmeet Singh. In retaliatory firing, Ranjit was shot dead. Police recovered a 30-bore pistol from the scene, but questions remain about how he obtained the weapon and the sudden arrival of the motorcycle.
Investigation and Political Reactions
From the preliminary probe, it was revealed that Ranjit and Inderjit drove to the police post on Dilawar's motorcycle and shot the two cops. After the killing, they spent the night at Dilawar's home. The DIG noted that since Inderjit was in direct contact with ISI handlers, details about the financial incentives offered to the attackers would only emerge after his arrest, though it is believed the youngsters were promised a hefty amount.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann praised the police action, stating unequivocally, "Pakistan is behind the Gurdaspur incident." This assertion aligns with the police's findings of a cross-border terror plot aimed at destabilizing the region.
The investigation continues as authorities work to apprehend Inderjit Singh and unravel the full extent of the ISI's involvement in this tragic event that has shaken the local community and law enforcement.
