Crime – Joint Police Operation Leads to Arrest of Two Gang Shooters
Crime – In a swift and coordinated action, the Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Haryana Special Task Force (STF) on Thursday apprehended two alleged shooters following a brief encounter in Kaithal. The suspects were wanted in connection with a high-profile murder that took place in Chandigarh earlier this week, sending shockwaves across the region.
Arrest After High-Profile Daylight Killing
The two accused had been on the run after the killing of property dealer Charanpreet Singh, also known as Chinni, who was shot dead in broad daylight in Chandigarh’s Sector 9, a locality known for its heightened security presence. The brazen nature of the attack raised concerns about organized crime networks operating across state lines.
Officials confirmed that the accused were intercepted during a joint operation, which led to their capture after a short exchange of fire. Both individuals were taken into custody without any reported injuries to police personnel.
Accused Linked to Notorious Gang Network
According to Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, the arrested men have been identified as Rajan, also known as Piyush Pehalwan from Ferozepur, and Pritam Shah from Nawashahr. Investigators believe the duo are closely associated with the Lucky Patial-Bambiha gang, a criminal network that has been under scrutiny for its involvement in multiple violent incidents.
Authorities recovered three firearms from the suspects, including a .30 bore PX-5 pistol, a .30 calibre Chinese-made weapon, and a .32 calibre pistol. A quantity of ammunition was also seized during the operation, indicating the suspects were well-equipped.
Quick Action by Police Teams
Senior officials highlighted the speed at which the case was handled. Within less than 30 hours of the murder, police teams were able to identify, track, and apprehend the suspects. This rapid response was made possible through coordinated intelligence-sharing between Punjab and Haryana units.
Preliminary findings suggest that Rajan, alias Piyush Pehalwan, may also have links to another high-profile case involving the murder of Yadwinder Singh, who was reportedly associated with an individual named Jiwanjot Singh alias Jugnu. Authorities are currently verifying these connections as part of the broader investigation.
Special Operation “Silent Trigger” Led the Crackdown
Additional Director General of Police Promod Ban revealed that the arrests were made under a targeted campaign named “Silent Trigger.” The operation was carried out under the supervision of DIG Gurmit Singh Chauhan, focusing on dismantling the network responsible for the Chandigarh killing.
The operation involved surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated field action across multiple locations. Officials described it as a strategic effort aimed at neutralizing organized crime modules operating in the region.
Investigation Continues to Trace Wider Network
While the arrest of the two shooters marks a significant breakthrough, police officials have indicated that further investigations are ongoing to identify other members and facilitators linked to the gang. Authorities are also examining whether the crime was part of a larger rivalry between criminal groups.
The incident has once again brought attention to the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in tackling organized crime that spans multiple states. Senior officers emphasized that continued coordination between agencies remains key to preventing such incidents in the future.
Police have assured that strict action will be taken against all those involved, and efforts are underway to ensure that similar networks are dismantled before they can carry out further crimes.