Barnala (Gurpreet Singh): A member of an anti-drug committee was allegedly shot at by four men at his residence in Kaleke village of Punjab’s Barnala district after he helped hand over people suspected of drug consumption to the police. The injured man, identified as Amandeep Singh alias Aman, sustained a bullet wound to his leg and was referred to a super-speciality hospital for treatment.
The incident triggered panic in the village and nearby areas. Police have formed teams to trace the four alleged attackers and are conducting raids. According to DSP D Rajinder Pal Singh, a case is being registered based on the statements of the victim’s family.
Amandeep Had Called Police After Receiving Information About Drug Use
Amandeep said he had received information about some people allegedly possessing narcotic substances. He called the emergency helpline 112 and informed the police. The individuals were subsequently handed over to the police team that reached the spot.
He said the police asked him to visit the police station to file a formal complaint. Amandeep told them he would come after having his meal and taking a bath.
However, he alleged that associates of the people involved arrived at his house before he could reach the police station. They allegedly forced open the main gate and opened fire, with one bullet hitting his leg.
He was initially taken to a hospital in Barnala before being referred to a super-speciality facility.
Anti-Drug Committee Had Been Active For 15–20 Days
Committee member Sukhchain Singh Cheena said the village panchayat, sarpanch and local organisations had jointly formed the committee to work towards making Kaleke drug-free. Over the past 15–20 days, its members had been identifying people allegedly involved in selling or consuming drugs and handing them over to the authorities.
Cheena said that around 9:30 am on Saturday, the committee received information that some youths were consuming drugs inside a house. When members reached the location, the youths had allegedly already consumed the substance. Silver foil and a lighter were recovered from the premises, he said.
During questioning, one of the youths reportedly named some associates. The committee then handed over the person found at the spot to the authorities.
Cheena alleged that later, when committee members had returned home for lunch, they learnt that Ranjit Singh Raju, Sukhpreet Singh Sukhkhu, Sukhchain Singh Chahan and Prince had allegedly gone to Amandeep’s residence and fired shots.
He further claimed that the group also approached his house. Cheena said he fired shots in the air with his licensed weapon in self-defence, after which the attackers fled in a vehicle.
He also alleged that Ranjit Singh Raju had previously faced cases under the NDPS Act and in connection with illegal weapons. Villagers have demanded strict action against those involved.
Congress MLA Warns Of Protest If Accused Are Not Arrested Within 24 Hours
Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Kala Dhillon condemned the attack and expressed concern over the law and order situation in Punjab. He said people raising their voices against drugs were being targeted.
Dhillon warned that the Congress would launch a major protest if the police failed to arrest the accused within 24 hours.
MLA Labh Singh Ugoke Visits Injured Man
Bhadaur MLA Labh Singh Ugoke visited the hospital to enquire about Amandeep’s condition. He said he had spoken to the Barnala SSP and police officials about the incident and expressed confidence that the accused would be arrested soon.
Police Form Teams To Trace Four Accused
DSP D Rajinder Pal Singh confirmed that four people had allegedly opened fire on Amandeep Singh alias Aman. He said separate police teams had been formed to identify and arrest the accused, while raids were underway.
Dr Ishan, who examined the injured man at the super-speciality hospital, said Amandeep had been brought in with a gunshot injury. His condition was stable, the doctor said, adding that a CT scan and other investigations would help establish the precise nature and extent of the injury.
