Punjab: Mansa police today claimed to have arrested the third accused in the October 28 shooting incident at a city shop. Police had arrested two accused yesterday after a brief encounter. Two pistols, nine cartridges, and six bullet shells were recovered from them. The third accused, Baljinder Singh, a resident of Ropar district, had provided shelter to those arrested yesterday, Mansa SSP Bhagirath Singh Meena said. He further said that a special team is working to bust the entire gang behind the extortion attempt. Those arrested Friday have been identified as Gursahib Singh and Ramanpreet Singh, residents of Ropar. According to police, Gursahib opened fire on the police team while he was being taken to recover the weapons. He was injured in the ensuing exchange of fire. Bathinda Range DIG Harjeet Singh, who visited Mansa today, said, “The police team that worked tirelessly to apprehend the accused has been recommended for a certificate and a cash reward. They even had to travel to other states during the investigation.” He also praised the courage of three residents during the incident. The DIG said, “Granthi Jagraj Singh, Sheru Garg, and Sukhvir Singh risked their lives to help the police. They were honored with commendation letters today.” It’s worth noting that two unidentified youths on a motorcycle opened fire at around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday at the Gurdwara Chowk in the town, at the pesticide shop owned by Satish Kumar “Neetu,” uncle of RTI activist Manik Goyal. The firing, allegedly aimed at extorting money, spread panic among shopkeepers. One bullet hit the shop’s glass, shattering it, while two others struck the ground. When locals tried to apprehend the attackers, they abandoned their motorcycle and fled the scene. The incident sparked outrage in the town and the next day was observed as a ‘bandh’ in protest.
Punjab: Third accused arrested in Mansa firing case, 3 residents honoured for bravery
