Main Shooter in RSS Volunteer Murder Case Neutralized in Police Encounter
The prime accused in the shocking murder of RSS volunteer Naveen Arora was killed during a police encounter in the early hours of Thursday in Fazilka district. The incident occurred when police had taken the suspect, identified as Badal, to Mamu Joya village for weapon recovery in connection with the November 15 murder case.
The Fatal Encounter and Escaped Accomplices
According to Harmanbir Singh, Deputy Inspector General of Ferozepur Range, a specialized police team comprising CIA inspector, DSP City, and DSP Detective from Ferozepur had visited the village cremation ground for investigation purposes. Two hidden accomplices suddenly opened fire on the police party, leading to a violent exchange of gunfire.
During the confrontation, Head Constable Balaur Singh sustained bullet injuries to his arm while Badal suffered fatal injuries. Both were immediately rushed to Fazilka Civil Hospital, where Badal succumbed to his wounds. The police confirmed that the two other shooters managed to escape from the scene under the cover of darkness.
Investigators are currently examining whether Badal's fatal injuries resulted from police retaliatory fire or from shots fired by his own accomplices during the chaotic encounter. Another bullet reportedly struck the bulletproof jacket of a police officer, highlighting the intensity of the firefight.
Background of the November 15 Murder
The murder that triggered this investigation occurred on November 15 at approximately 7 PM near Baba Noor Shah Wali dargah in Ferozepur. Naveen Arora, 32-year-old son of senior RSS leader Baldev Raj Arora, was riding his motorcycle home when two bike-borne assailants targeted him from behind.
One bullet struck Arora in the head, causing critical injuries that led to his death at a private hospital. The victim came from a family with long-standing RSS associations, including his father Baldev Raj Arora and grandfather Dina Nath Arora, adding political significance to the case.
Investigation Breakthroughs and Ongoing Probe
Police made significant progress in the case using CCTV footage and facial recognition technology. The investigation revealed that Badal and an associate were captured on camera scouting Ferozepur's main bazaar merely an hour before the murder on November 15.
Badal, wearing a distinctive white hoodie, was positively identified through advanced facial recognition systems. His accomplice, clad in a black jacket, has been identified but not publicly named yet. Police detained Badal's family for questioning on November 16 as part of their investigative efforts.
The alleged mastermind, Gursimran Singh alias Jatin Kali, was arrested on November 20, while shooters Kannav and Harsh were apprehended earlier the same day. DIG Singh revealed that Kali had previous history of violence against police, having previously fired at a police party in Ferozepur and sustained injuries during that incident.
According to police findings, Gursimran alias Jatin Kali, who hails from Badhri Jaimal Singh village and resided in Basti Bhattian Wali, meticulously planned Arora's murder. The accused organized two separate teams: one consisting of Kannav and Harsh, and the other comprising Badal and his unidentified accomplice.
The assailants conducted surveillance on Arora's movements starting from November 13, with Kannav and Harsh serving as the backup team during the actual execution of the crime. Despite these arrests and the encounter, the victim's family has expressed concern that the police have yet to reveal the precise motive behind Arora's murder.
The Ferozepur police have intensified their manhunt for the two shooters who escaped during Thursday morning's encounter while continuing to widen their investigation into the murder conspiracy. DIG Harmanbir Singh confirmed that comprehensive investigation in the case remains actively underway.
