A 19-year-old man wanted in connection with the shooting of an Assistant Sub-Inspector was killed during a gunfight with police in Kandowal village on Saturday, officials said.
The accused, Karanbir Singh alias Nandi, was located by a joint team of Jhander police and CIA personnel after officers received information about his presence in the area.
Police said Karanbir was riding a motorcycle near a drain when officers attempted to intercept him. According to the police account, he responded by opening fire, following which the police team returned fire.
Karanbir sustained bullet injuries to his leg and chest. He was rushed to Civil Hospital in Ajnala, where he later died during treatment.
The encounter also left Head Constable Amritpal Singh with a leg injury. Another policeman, Head Constable Mandeep Singh, reportedly avoided serious injury when a bullet struck his protective jacket.
Karanbir had previously been arrested in connection with the shooting of ASI Jaswant Singh near Bhalla Pind Sugar Mill. Police said he subsequently escaped while being taken to the Majitha area for a weapon-recovery operation based on information allegedly provided during his interrogation.
A separate FIR was registered at Majitha police station following the escape. Police also linked Karanbir to a 2025 case registered at Gharinda police station, in which he was dealt with as a juvenile and later granted bail.
Following Saturday’s encounter, police recovered a Glock 9mm pistol, a .30-bore pistol and the motorcycle allegedly used by Karanbir.
Investigators are now examining the evidence recovered from the scene and his previous cases to determine his alleged involvement in other criminal activities.
