Wanted Gangster Harmanjit Singh Injured in Exchange of Fire With Cops in Punjab

Amritsar: Wanted gangster Harmanjit Singh alias Harman Gopa Rai was injured in the leg during an exchange of fire with Amritsar Police in Matewal village, Punjab, on Wednesday, police said.

According to Amritsar SSP Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal, police had received information about Singh's presence in the area and a checkpoint was set up by the Station House Officer. When the police team signalled him to stop, Singh allegedly opened fire at the officers.

Police officer narrowly escaped bullet

Police said one of the shots was directed towards the SHO and narrowly missed him. Officers then returned fire, during which Singh sustained a gunshot wound to his leg.

He was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment. Police have not reported any serious injury to the officers involved in the exchange of fire.

Pistol and ammunition recovered

According to the police, a .32-bore pistol and live ammunition were recovered from Singh following the encounter.

Police identified him as a Proclaimed Offender wanted in connection with a grenade attack at Hanuman Chowk in Gurdaspur. His alleged criminal history and links with other gangs are now being examined as part of the investigation.

Probe into possible wider links

SSP Chahal said investigators would examine Singh's alleged gang affiliations and other criminal cases. Given the alleged grenade-attack connection, police will also investigate whether there are any links to terrorist activities.

That aspect remains part of the police investigation and has not been established as a finding against Singh.

Investigation continues

Police are expected to question Singh as part of the investigation after his medical treatment. Investigators are also examining the weapon recovered from him and his alleged involvement in previous criminal cases.

The exchange of fire took place after police acted on specific information and attempted to stop the suspect at a checkpoint in Matewal, according to the police version. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.