A wanted gangster was injured in an exchange of fire with police in Punjab’s Amritsar district on Wednesday after he allegedly opened fire at a police team during a checkpoint operation.
The incident took place in Matewal village after police received information about Harman Gopa Rai, also identified as Harmanjit Singh, who was allegedly wanted in connection with criminal cases.
According to Amritsar SSP Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal, police personnel had set up a checkpoint in the Matewal area following a tip-off. When officers signalled the suspect to stop, he allegedly opened fire at the police team.
One bullet reportedly narrowly missed the police officer leading the operation. Police then returned fire, during which the suspect sustained a gunshot injury to his leg. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment.
Police said a .32-bore pistol and live ammunition were recovered from the suspect following the encounter. Officers are now investigating his criminal history and alleged links with other members of a gang.
According to police, Harmanjit Singh is a proclaimed offender wanted in connection with a grenade attack at Hanuman Chowk in Gurdaspur. The authorities are also examining whether he may have links to terrorist activities in view of the alleged grenade attack.
SSP Chahal said the suspect would be questioned during his remand and investigators would examine his previous criminal cases, gang connections and any possible involvement in other incidents.
The police action followed an earlier incident in the Matewal area in which the suspect was allegedly involved in firing, according to the police. Investigators are now working to establish the circumstances surrounding the latest confrontation and determine the full extent of the suspect’s alleged criminal activities.
The injured suspect remains under medical care, while police continue their investigation. Further details are expected to emerge as questioning and verification of his criminal record progress.
Authorities have not yet provided further information about the condition of the police personnel involved in the operation.
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