Khanna Police Apprehend Suspect in Gurdaspur Shooting Incident
In a significant development, the Khanna police have arrested an individual allegedly involved in a shooting incident targeting Pahaljeet Singh, the grandson of former MLA Harbans Singh Ghuman, in Gurdaspur. According to a police official, the accused is connected to a criminal gang engaged in extortion and drug supply activities, with alleged directives from handlers based overseas.
Initial Drug Bust Leads to Major Breakthrough
The arrest stemmed from a routine police operation on March 13, when ASI Devinder Singh of the Samrala police station, along with his team, was conducting checks on suspicious persons and vehicles near Sua Puli in the ITI area of Samrala. During the inspection, police stopped and questioned a youth who identified himself as Gautam, a resident of Hario Kalan village in Samrala.
Upon searching Gautam, authorities recovered 10 grams of heroin from his possession. He was promptly arrested and booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. During interrogation, Gautam disclosed that he had procured the heroin from Gursahib Singh, a resident of Dostpur village in Gurdaspur district, who allegedly supplied drugs across multiple districts.
Link to Shooting and Extortion Ring Uncovered
Based on this information, police nominated Gursahib Singh in the case and subsequently arrested him. Further investigation revealed that Gursahib Singh, along with his associates, was involved in the firing incident that targeted Pahaljeet Singh in Ghuman Kalan, resulting in injuries to Pahaljeet. Police stated that the attack was executed following an extortion call made from abroad, highlighting the international connections of the gang.
SP Pawanjit confirmed that the accused was already absconding in several cases related to extortion and drug trafficking. Multiple cases under the NDPS Act and the Arms Act have been registered against him, underscoring his extensive criminal record. The official added that further investigation is ongoing, with crucial revelations expected during the questioning of the accused.
Ongoing Probe and Implications
The arrest marks a critical step in dismantling the extortion and drug supply network, which has been operating under the guidance of overseas handlers. Police are intensifying their efforts to uncover more details about the gang's operations and its broader implications for regional security. The case underscores the challenges posed by transnational criminal activities and the need for coordinated law enforcement actions.
