Gurpreet Singh :- Panic gripped Begowal town in Kapurthala district on Friday evening after an encounter broke out between suspected drug smugglers and a CIA Kapurthala police team at Satguru Rakha Chowk. The incident occurred while police officials were reportedly chasing the accused following a tip-off regarding a narcotics consignment.
According to sources, the suspects opened fire at the police team as their vehicle reached the chowk, triggering chaos in the busy market area. Eyewitnesses claimed that nearly five to six rounds were fired during the exchange, causing people to run for safety.
During the firing, former sarpanch Satpal Singh of Nadali village, who was present at the spot to purchase vegetables, sustained injuries after being hit by bullet splinters. He was immediately shifted to a local hospital in Begowal, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Confirming the incident, SP (D) Harinder Singh Gill said the CIA team had been tracking the smugglers for nearly two hours before the confrontation took place. He added that one accused was arrested from the spot and a commercial quantity of narcotics was recovered from his possession.
However, another suspect managed to escape during the operation. Police teams have launched a search operation to trace the absconding accused and further investigation into the case is underway.
Senior police officials also reached the scene shortly after the incident, while security was tightened in the area following the firing episode.
