Notorious Shooter Succumbs to Injuries After Police Encounter in Amritsar
Sukhraj Singh, also known as Gunga, died from bullet wounds on Wednesday. The wanted shooter faced allegations in the murder of a former AAP sarpanch. His death followed a dramatic encounter with police in Amritsar's Vallah area.
Chaotic Recovery Operation Turns Violent
Police officials stated that Gunga was in their custody during a recovery operation. Suddenly, two unidentified men on a motorcycle opened fire from behind. They apparently aimed to free the accused shooter.
At least six rounds were fired in this initial attack. One bullet punctured the tyre of a police vehicle. This incident immediately triggered a gunfight between the police and the assailants.
Constable Varun Kumar suffered a gunshot injury to his leg during the exchange. The attackers managed to flee the scene on their motorcycle after the confrontation.
Accused Attempts to Snatch Police Weapon
Amid the chaos, Gunga allegedly tried to grab the 9 mm service pistol of ASI Harjinder Singh. Harjinder Singh serves as the in-charge of Police Post Vijay Nagar.
A scuffle ensued between the accused and the police officer. During this struggle, three rounds were discharged from the weapon. One bullet struck the vehicle window. Two rounds hit Gunga directly.
Authorities rushed the injured shooter to a nearby hospital. He later succumbed to his bullet injuries while receiving medical treatment.
Police Response and Legal Proceedings
The Station House Officer of Police Station Sadar fired three rounds from his service weapon. ASI Navtej Singh discharged four rounds from his AK-47 rifle to counter the attackers.
Police have formed separate teams to trace the absconding assailants. A fresh FIR numbered 10, dated January 14, has been registered at Police Station Maqboolpura.
The case includes multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It also invokes Sections 25 and 27-A of the Arms Act. During the operation, police recovered a .30 bore pistol from Gunga.
Background of the Deceased Shooter
Sukhraj Singh alias Gunga was a 20-year-old labourer from Thakkarpura village. His village falls in the Patti area of Tarn Taran district.
Police records show he faced four active criminal cases. Authorities also wanted him in connection with the 2024 murder of sarpanch Rajwinder Singh. That case was registered under FIR No. 133 of 2024 at Police Station City Patti.
Connection to AAP Sarpanch Murder Case
Former AAP sarpanch Jarmal Singh was shot dead on January 4. The murder occurred at a wedding function on the Majitha–Verka Bypass in Amritsar.
Police registered that murder as FIR No. 05 at Police Station Sadar. Investigators stated that Gunga's arrest represented a significant breakthrough in that case. His death now closes one chapter in this ongoing investigation.
