Alleged Hitman in RSS Activist Murder Killed in Police Encounter
In a dramatic turn of events, the prime accused in the murder of RSS activist Naveen Arora was killed during an exchange of fire in Fazilka district early Thursday morning. The incident occurred when police took the alleged hitman, identified as Badal, to recover weapons from a cremation ground in Mahmu Joyia village.
The Fatal Encounter and Investigation
According to Ferozepur SSP Bhupinder Singh, Badal was fatally wounded during what police described as crossfire between officers and his accomplices. The exact circumstances remain unclear, with authorities noting they cannot confirm whether the fatal shots came from police weapons or from Badal's associates.
A judicial probe will be conducted to determine the exact sequence of events, as per standard procedure in such cases. During the violent exchange, head constable Balaur Singh also sustained injuries and was rushed to Fazilka Civil Hospital along with the critically wounded Badal.
Background of the Murder Case
The case dates back to November 15 when Naveen Arora was shot dead while returning home after closing his shop. Police investigation identified Badal and another gunman as the perpetrators of the daylight murder.
In the subsequent investigation, police arrested two local youths, Harsh and Kanav, on November 19. The very next day, authorities apprehended the alleged mastermind of the murder, Gursimran alias Kali, following a gunfight in Arifke village that left the suspect injured.
The breakthrough came when DIG-Ferozepur range Harmanbir Singh Gill announced Badal's arrest from Zira town on Wednesday, approximately 45 kilometers from Ferozepur. During interrogation, Badal revealed that his accomplices planned to help him escape to Rajasthan from Mahmu Joyia village, a location notably close to the Pakistan border.
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
Despite multiple arrests and two encounters in this high-profile case, police have yet to disclose the motive behind Naveen Arora's murder. DIG Gill indicated that investigators are exploring the potential involvement of a "foreign handler" in the killing, though specific details remain confidential to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation.
Among those currently in custody are Gursimran, Harsh, Kanav, and a woman identified as Bhawna from Ludhiana, who stands accused of providing shelter to another suspect, Nachater Singh. The two assailants who ambushed the police party managed to escape under cover of darkness, according to official statements.
The case continues to develop as authorities work to unravel the complete network behind the RSS activist's murder while maintaining heightened security in the border region.
