LOHIAN KHAS /JALANDHAR
The Jalandhar Rural Police have arrested a total of 10 gangsters wanted in connection with the Piply village robbery incident and recovered multiple weapons and vehicles linked to the crime.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said these arrests were made as part of the ongoing investigation into the August 3 attack on ex-serviceman Balwinder Singh's family in Pipli village, Lohian.
The police teams led by SHO Lohian Bakshish Singh and Inspector CIA staff Jalandhar Rural have apprehended 10 suspects. Our teams have seized various weapons and vehicles connected to this case, SSP Khakh told the media.
The arrested accused have been identified as Sukhjeevan Singh alias Gaggu, Amandeep Singh alias Amna, Pupinder Singh alias Pindu, Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggi, Gurjit Singh, Harpreet Singh alias Happy, Gurpreet Singh alias Baba, Shamsher Singh alias Sabi, Jatinder Kumar alias Bobby, and Yogesh Kumar alias Jerry.
The police recovered one .32-bore pistol with 4 live rounds, and one country-made pistol (.315 bore) with 4 live rounds,, kirpans (ceremonial swords), daters (curved blades), sticks, and kahis (farm tools).
The vehicles seized include a Honda City car (PB-12-F-6896), an Alto car (PB-12-AG-9956), a stolen Sonalika tractor, and five motorcycles. These motorcycles include a Splendor (PB-33-1-8579), a red Boxer (PB-08-AE-8753), a black and silver Honda (PB-08-EL-4370), a black and blue Bajaj Platina (PB-08-EH-5620), and a black Hero Splendor (PB-08-FE-4066).
SSP said that the attack was orchestrated by two NRI brothers, Dara Singh and Darbara Singh, both currently residing in England. "We are continuing our investigation into their role and are proceeding with the issuance of lookout notices," he added.
In a related development, Assistant Sub-Inspector Avtar Singh (No. 179/Jalandhar-Rural) has been suspended for negligence of duty in connection with this case. According to a report from the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Subdivision Shahkot), ASI Avtar Singh failed to take appropriate action on a prior complaint related to the land dispute, which might have prevented the violent incident. A departmental inquiry has been initiated against him.
“The dereliction of duty will not be tolerated”, said SSP Khakh
All accused have been presented before the court, and police remand has been obtained for further interrogation. The Jalandhar Rural Police are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend any remaining suspects.
SSP Khakh said, "We are following all leads in this case. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the police."
The SSP also provided details about the incident, stating that it was related to a land dispute involving 10.5 acres of land in Pipli village. The attack reportedly involved a group of about 100 individuals who entered Balwinder Singh's house, assaulted family members, vandalized property, and stole valuables.
A case under sections 109(attempt to murder), 333(house trespass ), 115(2)and 118(1) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt )1324(4) (mischief ).309(robbery ),61(2)(criminal conspiracy 351(2)(criminal intimidation ),191(1) (rioting ) .190(every members of unlawful assembly ) of the B.N.S .and sections 25/54/59 of the Arms Act was registered against the accused.