Ropar police on Thursday arrested five alleged drug traffickers following a brief encounter, recovering 150 grams of heroin, a .32-bore pistol with five live cartridges, and a Hyundai Accent car.
Incident Details
Ropar SSP Maninder Singh stated that acting on a tip-off about the accused traveling from Naya Nangal towards Nangal, a team from the Naya Nangal police post set up a checkpoint. When signaled to stop, the occupants of the suspect vehicle allegedly opened fire at the police and fled. After a chase of nearly 10 km, police intercepted the vehicle near Brahmpura village.
Exchange of Fire
During the operation, one of the accused allegedly fired again at police personnel. In retaliation and self-defense, a police officer fired from his service weapon, injuring the accused, identified as Lovepreet Singh of Jangpura in Mohali district, in the shoulder. He was overpowered and taken to a hospital for treatment.
Arrested Accused
The arrested individuals were identified as Lovepreet Singh of Mohali district, Rohit of Hisar, Shubham of Jind, Parikshit of Sonipat, and Lohmastak Pratap Singh of Chandigarh. Police seized the contraband, weapons, and the car used by the accused.
Legal Action
A case was registered under the NDPS Act, the Arms Act, and other applicable sections of law. Police said they are probing the network's backward and forward linkages to identify suppliers, associates, and other members involved in drug trafficking.
