ASI Harjit Singh murder case saw a major development on Saturday night, September 19. Amritsar police killed one accused in an encounter, and identified him as Deepak Singh, a resident of Mulechak village. The Amritsar Police Commissioner said the accused was shot at a checkpoint on Thanda Road.
A second suspect escaped. Police are also probing a possible Pakistan based handler. These claims come from the police and remain under investigation.
What happened in the ASI Harjit Singh murder case?
Assistant Sub Inspector Harjit Singh of Punjab Police was killed while on duty on September 18. Police say two men on a motorcycle shot him at the Bhagtanwala grain market.
Police then issued a high alert across Amritsar and nearby areas, with intensive checking at toll points.
How did the Amritsar encounter unfold?
Police said they had specific information that the suspects were moving in the area and could be looking for another target. A police team then signalled two men on a scooter to stop at a checkpoint.
Police say the men opened fire, and officers fired back. Deepak Singh was hit and died on the way to hospital. His accomplice escaped in the darkness.
Reports differ on the exact time. Some reports says the checkpoint stop was around 9.45 pm. The Daily Jagran puts it at about 10.25 pm. Police recovered the following items:
- One pistol, two magazines and eight cartridges
- A mobile phone and an Activa scooter
Police say they traced the suspects using CCTV footage, technical surveillance, tower dump analysis and local intelligence.
What is the Pakistan link in the ASI Harjit Singh murder case?
Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill made the allegation at a late night media briefing. He said, “It was the man from Pakistan, operating from abroad, who lured them in,” as reported by India TV. Police allege the youths were offered money and a share in the drug trade.
The handlers allegedly asked for proof of loyalty by targeting police personnel. Police say the accused went back to the scene and recorded a video of 30 to 40 seconds to send to them. Forensic examination of the mobile phones is under way.
The handler’s identity is not settled. The Daily Jagran links Deepak Singh to Pakistan based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti. Another report says the handler’s identity and the nature of the communication remain under investigation. Police have not officially confirmed the name in the reports reviewed.
Who was Deepak Singh in the ASI Harjit Singh murder case?
He was 19 years old. Information linked to police says he was jailed in a drug related case earlier and released in April. The police version of his role has not been independently verified.
Where is investigation now?
Police are searching for the second accused. They plan to retrieve the video from the phones and match location data to build the case, according to Commissioner Gill.
He also appealed to parents to watch their children’s activities and protect them from social media, drugs and criminal networks.