Punjab Police on Thursday claimed to have shot dead Badal, the main shooter accused in the murder of RSS worker Naveen Arora, during an encounter near a cremation ground in Mamu Joyian village in Fazilka district.
Harmanbir Singh Gill, DIG, Ferozepur, said the operation marks a major breakthrough in the high-profile case.
Divulging information, he said that a police team had reached the cremation ground to recover weapons and when Badal and his associates opened fire at the police team.
"As the team moved in, two of his accomplices allegedly opened fire, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire", he added.
Further, police returned fire in self-defence, during which Badal was hit. A Head Constable also suffered bullet injuries in his hand during the encounter. Both were immediately taken to the Civil Hospital in Fazilka, where Badal succumbed to his injuries.
Badal had been identified as the main shooter in the killing of RSS worker Naveen Arora, who was murdered on 15 November. Police said he had been evading arrest and was believed to be hiding with the help of local contacts.
Senior officials said the encounter has helped crack a crucial part of the case, though efforts to trace the remaining accused and recover more weapons are still underway. They added that the injured policeman is currently under treatment and is reported to be stable.
Police said further investigations will continue to identify the entire network involved in the murder conspiracy.