Punjab Police Apprehend Two Suspects in Migrant Worker Shooting Incident Following Brief Encounter
In a significant development, Punjab Police have successfully arrested two individuals accused of firing at a group of migrant workers in Moga district. The arrests occurred on Sunday after a brief encounter, according to official statements from law enforcement authorities.
Encounter Details and Arrests
Moga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Gandhi informed the media that the arrests were made based on a specific tip-off regarding the suspects' whereabouts. The accused, identified as Jobanpreet and Akashdeep Singh, were spotted riding a motorcycle in the Ghal Kalan area of Moga district.
"They were signalled to stop at a police checkpoint on the Ghal Kalan-Safuwala road but instead opened fire at the officers, forcing the police to retaliate in self-defense," SSP Gandhi stated during the press briefing.
Injuries and Medical Treatment
During the exchange of fire, Jobanpreet sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg, while Akashdeep Singh suffered injuries after falling while attempting to flee the scene. Both suspects are currently receiving medical treatment at the Moga civil hospital under police supervision.
Weapons Recovery and Legal Charges
Police officials recovered significant evidence from the encounter site, including:
- Two .30 bore pistols
- Four empty cartridge shells
- One live round of ammunition
The arrested individuals have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Arms Act. The specific charges include:
- Section 109 (attempt to murder)
- Section 132 (assaulting a public servant)
- Section 221 (obstructing a public servant)
Background of the Case and International Links
According to SSP Gandhi, preliminary investigations suggest the shooters were acting on instructions from a foreign-based handler. The original incident occurred on February 10 when the suspects allegedly fired at migrant workers in Moga district.
A third accomplice, who reportedly filmed the attack on migrant workers near Khosa Jalal village on the Moga-Zira road, remains at large and is the subject of an ongoing manhunt.
Political Repercussions and Community Impact
The shooting incident has sent shockwaves through the migrant worker community in Punjab, particularly affecting laborers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The opposition has launched strong attacks against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, criticizing what they describe as deteriorating law and order conditions in the state.
Previous Arrests in Connection with the Case
Earlier in the investigation, police had detained two men from Ferozepur district for allegedly providing shelter to the suspects. These detentions formed part of the broader investigation that ultimately led to Sunday's encounter and arrests.
The case continues to develop as police pursue the remaining accomplice and investigate the international connections to the attack on migrant workers in Punjab.
