In a relentless pursuit against organized crime, Punjab Police on Thursday achieved a significant breakthrough with the apprehension of two criminals following a brief encounter in Daun village, Mohali district.
The arrested individuals, identified as Brij Pal and Pradeep alias Shetty, both in their 30s and hailing from Naraingarh in Haryana's Ambala district, were wanted by Mohali Police in connection with various criminal activities.
Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sandeep Garg, providing detailed insights into the operation, revealed that the police had received credible information about threat calls directed at a local businessman, with the alleged involvement of the arrested criminals.
Acting swiftly on this intelligence, multiple police teams searched the area, ultimately leading to the encounter with the suspects who were on a motorcycle without a registration number.
Upon signaling the duo to stop, the suspects attempted to evade capture, prompting a chase and ensuing confrontation. The encounter unfolded in an area surrounded by fields, resulting in both criminals sustaining bullet injuries in their legs. They were promptly taken to Mohali's Civil Hospital, where they are reported to be out of danger.
“Their motorcycle collided with a car belonging to a police inspector, causing them to fall. Subsequently, they opened fire on the police. During the exchange of gunfire, both Brij Pal and Pradeep sustained bullet injuries in their legs,” said SSP Garg.
Further investigations revealed that the arrested individuals were connected to the gang led by Prince Chauhan Rana. Known for operating from abroad and making extortion calls, Rana’s influence has spurred criminal activities in the region.
The police seized two weapons from Brij Pal and Pradeep, highlighting the potential threat they posed to public safety. Authorities believe that the duo had plans to target a property dealer in the area.
Brij Pal, facing two cases of attempted murder, is now under intense scrutiny as investigators delve into his criminal history and connections.
This recent encounter is part of a broader crackdown initiated by the Punjab Police against gangsters, with at least 10 such incidents reported in the past two weeks. The heightened frequency of police encounters underscores the proactive measures undertaken by law enforcement agencies to neutralize criminal elements operating in the state.
Earlier on Wednesday, an arrested gangster was killed in an exchange of fire with the Punjab Police while he was trying to flee in Amritsar’s Jandiala Guru area.
Amritpal Singh, 22, was arrested on Tuesday and was taken to Jandiala Guru for the recovery of two kg of heroin. He fired at the police team from a pistol hidden there while in handcuffs and tried to flee, the officials said.
