Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): Investigators probing the killing of Punjab Police Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjit Singh are examining CCTV footage showing two suspected assailants travelling on an Activa scooter shortly before the officer was shot dead during his night duty.
Harjit Singh, who was posted with the Gate Hakima police, was attacked near the Bhagtanwala grain market early Friday. Police said the officer had reached the Dana Mandi area for duty around 9.30 pm on Thursday. CCTV analysis showed the movement of two suspects on an Activa at around 12.32 am, while the emergency control room received information about the shooting at 1.05 am.
A preliminary forensic examination indicated that the officer was hit by a single bullet. Police recovered a .30-bore casing from the scene, while further findings are expected from the post-mortem and forensic examination.
Foreign Links Under Probe
Punjab Police have constituted special teams to reconstruct the suspects’ movements using CCTV footage from the area.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said investigators were examining possible links with foreign-based handlers and elements operating from Pakistan. Police are also checking whether the killing is connected with other targeted attacks on police personnel in the state.
The name of Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH) has surfaced in connection with the case, while possible involvement of Pakistan-based figure Shahzad Bhatti is also being examined. However, these links remain part of the investigation and have not been established as the confirmed motive or conspiracy behind the killing.
Third Fatal Attack on Police Personnel This Year
Harjit Singh’s killing is the latest in a series of targeted attacks involving Punjab Police personnel this year. Earlier, ASI Joga Singh was killed near Majitha, while two policemen were shot dead at a border checkpost in Gurdaspur. Another ASI, Jaswant Singh, survived a separate firing incident in the Rajasansi area.
The latest attack has prompted senior police officials to review security arrangements, surveillance and patrolling across the region.
₹2 Crore Support for Bereaved Family
The Punjab government has announced financial assistance of ₹2 crore for Harjit Singh’s family.
According to the police, the package includes ₹1 crore from the state government and another ₹1 crore through HDFC Bank insurance. The family will also receive police honours for the deceased officer.
DGP Gaurav Yadav visited the bereaved family and assured them that the investigation would be pursued at the highest level. Special teams are continuing to examine the CCTV trail and other forensic evidence as police work to identify and apprehend the attackers.
