BKI operative nabbed after brief encounter in Mohali

“The accused, associated with Babbar Khalsa International, was apprehended after a police encounter in Mohali. On July 10, he had fired shots outside a property dealer’s office in Aerocity to demand extortion money. He was injured in retaliatory police firing,” said SP (Investigation) Saurav Jindal.

The accused, identified as Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi, hails from Mandi Gobindgarh in the Fatehgarh Sahib district. Initial investigation revealed that he was operating under instructions from terrorists based abroad, who provided him weapons and financial support.

SP Jindal, who was present at the crime scene, told reporters that the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Mohali, had earlier arrested three BKI-linked operatives on Sunday. These individuals were involved in grenade attacks on police posts in Badshahpur (Patiala district) and Ajeemgarh (Haryana).

“All three arrested were linked to Babbar Khalsa International. During their interrogation, Gurpreet’s name surfaced, and we began efforts to apprehend him,” said Jindal.

Gangster was on bike when intercepted

SP Jindal said, “After Gurpreet Singh was identified as a BKI operative, he was placed under surveillance. When he was spotted riding a motorcycle, the police attempted to get him to surrender. Instead, he opened fire at the police, prompting a retaliatory response.”

Around five rounds were exchanged during the brief encounter. Gurpreet was hit in the leg and incapacitated. He was taken into custody and hospitalised.

The SP said Gurpreet already had four criminal cases registered against him, including incidents of extortion and firing. “He has served jail term in the past. Further interrogation is on,” he added.