In a dramatic turn of events on Thursday evening, Amritsar Police apprehended a dreaded criminal and two of his aides following a brief but intense encounter in the city’s Ranjit Avenue area.
Key Arrests and Firefight
The prime accused, Kanwalpreet Singh (34) of Ekroop Avenue in Naushehra Khurd village, was injured in the leg during retaliatory firing by police and is currently under treatment. His accomplices, Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja and Wasan Singh, both residents of Tarn Taran, were also arrested at the scene.
All three have a history of serious criminal offenses—including attempt to murder, dacoity, robbery, and snatching—across districts like Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Batala, Gurdaspur, Faridkot, and Ferozepur.
Blackout Crime Linked to National Tensions
According to Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, the trio had recently snatched a KIA Sonet (PB-02-EV-2500) from a local resident, Adesh Kapoor, during a citywide blackout sparked by Operation Sindoor and subsequent Pakistani drone and missile strikes. The car and a revolver have since been recovered.
Chase & Shootout
On May 7, at around 9:30 PM, a police team led by ASI Lakhwinder Kumar and SHO Robin Hans spotted a suspicious car with no number plate near Amrit Anand Park. When the suspects refused to stop, police fired warning shots and chased them down.
As the suspects were cornered, Kanwalpreet opened fire, narrowly missing officers. ASI Lakhwinder retaliated, injuring Kanwalpreet in the leg. The other two tried to resist but were subdued.
Fresh Charges Filed
A new FIR has been registered, including charges of attempt to murder and violations under the Arms Act. The three remain in custody as investigations continue.
