Punjab Police AGTF arrests four in Bathinda gunfight, seizes Glock pistol
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) arrested four accused on Tuesday following a brief exchange of fire near the Sirhind Canal Link Road in Bathinda, recovering two sophisticated firearms and impounding two motorcycles. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the operation, describing it as part of the force's ongoing crackdown on organised criminal networks in Punjab.
Who Was Arrested
The four individuals taken into custody have been identified as Gurdeep Singh, Sukhchain Singh, and Gurvinder Singh — all residents of Salabatpura village in Bathinda — along with Jashanpreet Singh, a resident of Dullewala village in Bathinda. All four reportedly carry criminal histories with multiple prior cases registered against them.
Weapons and Evidence Recovered
Police seized one 9MM Glock pistol and one .30 bore pistol, along with five live cartridges and two empty shells. The two motorcycles the accused were riding were also impounded as part of the evidence chain.
How the Operation Unfolded
According to Additional Director General of Police (AGTF) Promod Ban, an AGTF team from Bathinda was trailing four suspects travelling on two motorcycles. Upon spotting the police party near Gobindpura village, the accused allegedly opened fire with the intent to evade arrest. AGTF personnel retaliated with controlled fire in self-defence.
During the exchange, accused Gurvinder Singh sustained a bullet injury to his leg. Separately, two bullets struck the official police vehicle used by the team. Gurvinder Singh is currently receiving treatment at the local Civil Hospital in Bathinda.
Criminal Links Under Investigation
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused are linked to a criminal network and are wanted in a recent case registered at the Bhagta Bhaika police station in Bathinda. According to ADGP Ban, the accused were reportedly on their way to eliminate a member of a rival gang at the time of their arrest.
DGP Yadav stated that further investigation is underway to identify other associates and map the wider criminal network. This operation reflects a pattern of AGTF interdictions in Punjab, where gangster-linked violence has remained a persistent law-and-order concern in recent years.