A suspect in the murder of Punjab Police Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjit Singh was killed in an encounter with police in Amritsar on Sunday, while another alleged accused managed to escape, officials said.
ASI Harjit Singh was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants while he was on patrol in the Hakima police station area of Amritsar early Friday. Police subsequently launched a search operation and placed checkpoints across the city.
Amritsar Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill said the investigation had indicated the involvement of a person based in Pakistan who was allegedly operating from abroad. According to the police, the suspected handler allegedly offered the accused money and promised them involvement in the narcotics trade.
Gill said the alleged handler had instructed the suspects to target a lone police officer, kill him and record the incident. Police are examining the mobile phones of the suspects and are expected to conduct forensic analysis of the devices to recover possible video footage and other evidence.
The police commissioner said checkpoints were set up across Amritsar following the killing, with a red alert also issued. At a checkpoint on Thanda Road, officers allegedly signalled a suspect to stop. Police said the man opened fire, prompting officers to return fire.
According to Gill, the suspect fired four rounds, while police fired six rounds in self-defence. The suspect was hit by a police bullet and was taken towards a hospital for treatment but died on the way. Doctors subsequently declared him brought dead.
Another suspect reportedly escaped from the area by taking advantage of the darkness. Police said teams were searching for him and continuing efforts to locate and arrest him.
The killing of ASI Harjit Singh has prompted further investigation into the possible network behind the attack. Police are examining digital evidence, including mobile phone data and location coordinates, as part of the probe.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹1 crore for the family of the deceased officer. An additional insurance payout of ₹1 crore has also been announced.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav visited the crime scene and said the accused would be brought to justice. The investigation remains underway as police continue searching for the absconding suspect and examining the alleged links behind the attack.
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