Shooter wanted in AAP sarpanch’s murder dies after encounter in police custody
Police say accused tried to snatch service pistol during recovery operation in Amritsar
Aayush Kashyap, the 19-year-old son of Congress leader Sammelal Kashyap, was shot dead by masked gunmen in Janjgir-Champa on Friday while his 16-year-old brother survived with a hand injury in what appears to be a targeted attack. (File/representative) Sukhraj Singh alias Gunga, a notorious shooter linked to the Prabh Dasuwal gang and wanted for the killing of former AAP sarpanch Jarmal Singh, died of bullet injuries on Wednesday following an encounter with police during a recovery operation in the Vallah area of Amritsar.
Police said Gunga was in custody when two unidentified men on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire from behind in an attempt to free him. At least six rounds were fired, one of which punctured a police vehicle’s tyre, triggering a gunfight. Constable Varun Kumar sustained a gunshot injury to his leg.
According to police, amid the chaos, Gunga allegedly tried to snatch the 9 mm service pistol of ASI Harjinder Singh, in-charge of Police Post Vijay Nagar. In the ensuing scuffle, three rounds were fired, one hitting the vehicle window and two striking Gunga. He was rushed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Police said the SHO of Police Station Sadar fired three rounds from his service weapon, while ASI Navtej Singh discharged four rounds from his AK-47 to counter the attackers, who fled on their motorcycle.
Separate teams have been formed to trace the absconding assailants. A fresh FIR No. 10 dated January 14 has been registered at Police Station Maqboolpura under Sections 109, 132, 221, 304, 261, 61(2), 62 and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 25 and 27-A of the Arms Act. A .30 bore pistol was recovered from Gunga during the operation.
Gunga, a 20-year-old labourer from Thakkarpura village in Patti, Tarn Taran district, was facing four criminal cases. He was also wanted in the 2024 murder of sarpanch Rajwinder Singh, registered under FIR No. 133 of 2024 at Police Station City Patti.
Former AAP sarpanch Jarmal Singh was shot dead on January 4 at a wedding function on the Majitha–Verka Bypass in Amritsar. The murder was registered as FIR No. 05 at Police Station Sadar, and police said Gunga’s arrest had followed a breakthrough in that case.
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