A 32-year-old man was killed after being hit by a bullet during a late-night police chase of suspected cattle smugglers in Ambala, prompting Haryana minister Anil Vij to order swift action and assure support to the victim's family.
Incident Details
The deceased, Gurpreet Singh of Garnala village, was returning home from work with a friend on a motorcycle when the incident occurred around 1.50am on Saturday in the Tundla area under Panjokhra Sahib police station. The two had left their workplace around 1.30am and were heading towards their village when they reached the Tundla turn.
According to Vij, police were chasing suspects transporting cattle illegally when firing broke out during the pursuit. One of the bullets struck Gurpreet, who died on the spot.
Police said the suspects abandoned their vehicle near the spot and fled on foot, leaving behind two cattle. The vehicle has been seized.
Official Response
Vij visited Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantonment, and met the bereaved family. He directed the Ambala SP to take strict and swift action, deploy full force to trace the accused, and ensure justice.
Eyewitness Account
Nachhatar Singh, who was riding pillion with Gurpreet and hails from Tundla village, said they encountered a utility vehicle followed by two police vehicles moments before hearing gunshots. "We left work around 1.30am and as we reached Tundla turn, we heard firing. A bullet hit Gurpreet while he was riding. He lost control of the motorcycle within seconds, swerved, and we fell by the roadside," the eyewitness said. "I removed his helmet and saw he was bleeding heavily. He didn't respond and died there."
Police Investigation
Ambala SP Ajay Singh Shekhawat said the suspects opened fire during the chase and police retaliated. "It appears the suspects may have fired at the motorcycle, mistaking it for a police vehicle. The exact source of the bullet will be established through post-mortem, forensic and ballistic reports," he said.
Six special teams have been formed to trace the accused. A case has been registered at Panjokhra Sahib police station, and investigation is underway.
