Tarn Taran Encounter: Extortion Suspect Nabbed After Gunfight
A suspect linked to multiple extortion firing incidents was injured and caught after an encounter with Punjab Police in Goindwal Sahib.
In a high-stakes operation in the Goindwal Sahib area of Tarn Taran, the Punjab Police have successfully apprehended an extortion suspect apprehended Punjab police officials encountered on Friday. The suspect, linked to a string of violent extortion attempts, was caught after a brief exchange of gunfire during a routine patrol.
The Clash in Goindwal Sahib
The incident unfolded when a police team was conducting routine patrolling in search of suspicious individuals. According to SSP Surinder Lamba, the officers spotted two men walking on foot. As the police approached, the suspects attempted to flee the scene.
The situation escalated rapidly when one of the suspects opened fire on the police party. Acting in self-defence, the police team retaliated. During the exchange, one of the suspects was hit by a bullet and collapsed, allowing the officers to take him into custody immediately. However, his accomplice managed to evade capture and escaped into the surrounding area.
Identity of the Accused
The injured man was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. During the preliminary questioning conducted by the authorities, the suspect was identified as Manpreet, also known as Manna, a resident of Khawaspur.
The interrogation has already yielded significant leads. Manna has allegedly admitted his involvement in three separate firing incidents related to extortion that had recently plagued the Goindwal Sahib region.
Recoveries and Ongoing Manhunt
Following the encounter, the police recovered an illegal weapon from the spot, which is believed to have been used in the crime spree. The authorities are now focusing on two primary objectives:
- Tracking the Accomplice: A coordinated cordon-and-search operation is currently underway to locate and arrest the suspect who managed to flee.
- Expanding the Probe: Police are interrogating Manna to determine the full extent of his activities and to identify any other associates or gang members involved in the extortion racket.
SSP Surinder Lamba confirmed that further investigations are in progress to uncover the complete circumstances of the encounter and the broader network of the extortionists operating in the area.