Amritsar Rural Police arrested most-wanted gangster Harman Singh, alias Harman Boparai, following an encounter near Mattеwal after police allegedly came under fire from him during a naka checking operation.
According to SSP Amritsar Rural Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal, Harman sustained a bullet injury to his leg during the exchange of fire and was subsequently taken into custody. He was later admitted to hospital for treatment.
Police Say Gangster Opened Fire at Naka
SSP Chahal said that SHO Mattеwal Daljit Singh and his police team had received specific information that Harman, who was wanted in several serious cases, was moving through the area and could be planning another criminal activity.
Acting on the information, police teams set up a special naka near a canal on the side. Harman allegedly arrived at the spot alone on a Splendor motorcycle.
When police signalled him to stop, he allegedly pulled out a pistol and opened fire at the police party. According to the police, Harman fired around three to four rounds.
Bullet Grazes SHO's Arm
During the firing, one bullet allegedly passed extremely close to SHO Daljit Singh's arm, grazing it. The officer escaped serious injury.
Police said they initially fired in the air and warned Harman to surrender. However, when he allegedly continued firing, the police returned fire in self-defence.
Around three rounds were fired by the police, with one bullet hitting Harman in the leg. He fell at the spot and was subsequently apprehended by the police team.
.32 Bore Pistol, Ammunition Recovered
Police said a .32-bore pistol, live cartridges and empty shells were recovered from the spot.
According to SSP Chahal, Harman is a proclaimed offender and was wanted in connection with several criminal cases. Police have also linked him to the grenade attack reported at Hanuman Chowk in Gurdaspur.
He is also accused in a case involving an alleged attempt to kill a person within Mattеwal police station limits.
Police to Probe Criminal Network
Police said three major cases, including charges related to attempt to murder under Sections 307/109 of the BNS and snatching, are registered against Harman.
He will be produced before a court after his discharge from hospital, following which police are expected to seek his remand for further investigation into his alleged criminal links and network.
SSP Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal said the investigation will focus on establishing Harman's wider criminal connections and identifying others who may be associated with him.
