Gangster shot in leg while attempting to flee from police custody in Kapurthala
A key figure in Punjab’s criminal underworld was injured in a police encounter during a high-stakes weapon recovery operation early Thursday morning in Kapurthala district. The operation, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora, marked a significant breakthrough in an investigation into the recent Dhilwan Toll Plaza firing case resulting in the arrest of two major accused along with the recovery of a large cache of illegal arms.
The incident unfolded when the police escorted the prime accused, Ramandeep Singh, alias Raman, to Mand village near Dhilwan for the recovery of firearms linked to a firing incident that took place on June 24. While the search was underway, Ramandeep suddenly attempted to escape from the police custody by pushing accompanying officials. Acting swiftly, the police team gave verbal warnings, but when he refused to stop, a warning shot was fired, which struck him in the leg. He was immediately restrained, given first aid and shifted to the Civil Hospital, Kapurthala, where he is undergoing treatment.
Ramandeep Singh, a resident of Kothe Tarkhana in Amritsar, is a notorious gangster with 13 criminal cases registered against him, ranging from attempted murder to arms smuggling and extortion. His daring attempt to flee police custody only reinforced his criminal audacity.
This dramatic encounter came just a day after the arrest of Ramandeep Singh and his associate Daljit Singh, alias Baba, a resident of Majitha Road, Amritsar. The arrests were made as part of the ongoing investigation into the June 24 toll plaza shooting, where unidentified assailants opened fire after being stopped for not paying the toll fee. The accused had arrived in a numberless white Hyundai Creta vehicle, fired multiple rounds and fled towards Beas, causing panic, but fortunately no casualties were reported.
In response, FIR No. 50 was registered on June 25 at the Dhilwan police station under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — corresponding to IPC Section 336 — and relevant provisions of the Arms Act. Recognising sensitivity of the case, SSP Gaurav Toora formed a special team that included SP (Investigation) Prabhjot Singh, Bholath DSP Karnail Singh, DSP Parminder Singh, Inspector Jarnail Singh (CIA, Kapurthala) and ASI Charanjit Singh (Technical cell).
The breakthrough came after intensive surveillance, analysis of technical evidence and intelligence gathering. The interrogation of the accused led police to the location of hidden arms, setting the stage for the recovery operation that ended in Ramandeep’s failed escape bid.
Speaking to the media, SSP Gaurav Toora said, “Our officials exercised commendable control under pressure. Their quick response ensured that the accused was stopped without loss of life. This operation reflects our zero-tolerance policy towards organised crime and our unwavering commitment to public safety.”
The recovery from the accused has been substantial. The police seized three Glock 9mm pistols, two pistols (.32 bore), one revolver (.32 bore), one 12 bore rifle and a significant quantity of ammunition, including 51 rounds of 7.62mm, 25 rounds of 9mm, 30 rounds of .32 bore pistol, 24 rounds of .32 bore revolver and eight cartridges of 12 bore. Besides, two vehicles — a Mahindra Thar (bearing registration number Punjab 02 DD 0999) and white colour Hyundai Creta — were also impounded.
Another FIR (No. 58) was registered against Ramandeep Singh for obstructing policemen from duty and attempting to escape custody. The police believe the arrests and recovery were part of a larger web and further interrogation could unearth an interstate arms smuggling network.
Jalandhar