Jalandhar: Jalandhar (rural) police have arrested two persons for allegedly brandishing weapons and firing in the air during the traditional “Chhinj Mela” under the jurisdiction of Patara police station. The incident, which posed a potential risk to public safety, was promptly controlled by the prompt response of the local police. The arrested persons have been identified as Sudagar Singh, resident of Khali Rakh and Harjot Singh, resident of Patara. Besides, four other suspects – Amandeep Singh alias Amna, resident of Patara; Harjot Singh, resident of Aimal Ghun; Akaljot Singh, resident of Maur Hitthar and Rajveer Singh, resident of Nete, Jalandhar have also been identified as being involved in the incident.
A case has been registered at Patara police station under sections 109, 125, 190 and 191(3) of the Indian Justice Code (BNS) and sections 25, 27 and 29 of the Arms Act, 1959. Speaking to reporters, Jalandhar SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said, “Upon receiving information about the firing incident at Chhinj Mela, police teams led by Patara SHO under the supervision of Adampur DSP Kulwant Singh immediately took action against the suspects. The suspects fired two rounds in the air using licensed weapons and air guns, causing panic among the people present at the mela. Such acts of hooliganism and intimidation of people will not be tolerated.”
Preliminary investigation suggests that the incident stemmed from internal rivalry, with the suspects reportedly angry with another group supporting the mela organisers. The SSP said timely intervention by the police ensured peaceful conclusion of the mela without any harm to the people. He informed that the police team conducted a raid and seized several licensed weapons from the possession of the suspects, including a .315 bore rifle, a .32 bore revolver and an air gun. He informed that the police also recovered several sharp-edged weapons during the operation. Besides, a vehicle was also seized, the SSP said. “The arrested persons will be produced in court for remand for further investigation,” he added.
