A magisterial investigation has been officially ordered to examine the circumstances of a police encounter in Dera Bassi, which resulted in the death of an alleged gangster. The inquiry, conducted on the directives of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), will scrutinize the events leading to the shooting and the police's use of force.
Spot Inspection and Inquiry Details
Leading the investigation, Dera Bassi Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Gupta has already visited the encounter site to conduct a mandatory spot inspection. Officials confirmed that examining the scene is a standard and crucial part of any magisterial inquiry when a police encounter leads to a fatality. This step is vital for collecting physical evidence and understanding the sequence of events.
Chronology of the Fatal Encounter
The encounter unfolded on December 17 in Dera Bassi. Mohali police personnel engaged in an exchange of fire with the alleged gangster, identified as Harpinder Singh alias Middhi. A resident of Naushehra Pannuan village in Tarn Taran district, Singh was the third accused in a high-profile murder case.
Police reports state that Singh sustained bullet injuries during the shootout and was rushed to a hospital, where he later succumbed. Two police personnel were also injured in the incident, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation.
Link to Kabaddi Player Murder Case
The encounter is directly linked to the brutal killing of Kabaddi player and promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh, alias Rana Balachauria, who was shot dead in Mohali on December 15. According to police sources, Harpinder Singh was part of the group that provided logistical support to the two main contract shooters involved in the assassination.
In a significant development, the alleged mastermind behind the murder was arrested earlier at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport while allegedly attempting to flee to Muscat. Mohali SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans stated that three individuals have been apprehended in the case so far, with one (Harpinder Singh) now dead following the encounter.
However, the two primary shooters, Aditya Kapur alias Makhan and Karan Pathak alias Defaulter Karan, remain at large. Police authorities have confirmed that active efforts are underway to trace and arrest the remaining accused.
Independent Assessment and Ongoing Actions
While the police continue their manhunt, the magisterial inquiry will operate independently to assess the facts and circumstances surrounding the Dera Bassi encounter. This parallel process aims to ensure transparency and accountability, addressing concerns regarding the use of lethal force by law enforcement agencies. The findings of this probe are awaited to provide a clearer picture of the events of December 17.
