In a shocking incident in Amritsar, a Punjab police officer was fatally shot while on patrol duty. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Harjit Singh was targeted by unidentified attackers on motorcycles early Friday morning. Recent investigations suggest that the murder was planned by an individual based in Pakistan.
According to news reports, one suspect involved in ASI Singh’s murder was killed during a confrontation with police at a checkpoint on Thanda Road, while another managed to escape. Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill stated that the orchestrator of the crime offered the shooters money and promised them a role in drug trafficking to entice them.
“The individual from Pakistan was the mastermind of this attack. He promised the suspects money and involvement in illegal activities, requiring them to prove their loyalty to him,” Commissioner Gill explained to reporters.
Following the murder, police have set up multiple checkpoints in Amritsar as part of their security measures and issued a “red alert.” Gill detailed that the police confronted one of the suspects at a checkpoint where he opened fire, prompting officers to return fire in self-defense. The suspect was injured and later died at the hospital.
Efforts are ongoing to capture the second suspect who fled during the chaos. “We are intensively pursuing him and are confident we will apprehend him soon,” Gill added.
In response to this tragedy, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a compensation package of ₹1 crore for ASI Singh’s family. This will include an additional insurance payment of ₹1 crore. State DGP Gaurav Yadav visited the crime scene, assuring the public that those responsible will face justice.
The incident has raised concerns among officials, including BJP leader Tarun Chugh, who questioned the safety and security situation in Punjab under the current government.
