Ropar cops foil ‘targeted killing’ of NRI from Italy, arrest 5 after shootout; UAPA invoked against accused, says SSP

Patiala: Ropar police on Sunday claimed to have foiled a ‘targeted killing and robbery' plot, arresting five suspects after an encounter in Rolumajra village under Chamkaur Sahib police station.Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Gulneet Singh Khurana said the police acted on inputs that a group of armed individuals reached the residence of Ranjit Singh in Rolumajra and planned a robbery and murder. He said multiple teams were formed and dispatched to the spot.The teams were led by SP (detective) Gurdeep Singh Gossal, DSP (NDPS) Gabbar Singh, DSP (investigation) Jatinder Chauhan, CIA in-charge Rahul Sharma, and special branch in-charge Gurvinder Singh.Police said when they surrounded the location and asked them to surrender, the suspects opened fire on the police. In the exchange, one accused, Karnveer Singh alias Kanwa, sustained a bullet injury on his leg. He was shifted to the civil hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.A case was registered. As the probe progressed, sections pertaining to attempted murder were added. Police said investigations later revealed the conspiracy was linked to a planned targeted killing with alleged pro-Khalistan connections, following which provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) were also invoked.Police said the intended target was an Italy-based NRI who recently returned to his native village, was associated with the management committee of Gurdwara Kalgidhar Sahib, and opposed certain extremist activities. Police said this made him a target. The conspiracy to eliminate him was allegedly hatched by individuals based abroad, who coordinated the plan through contacts in Greece and Dubai.During the operation, police seized three pistols and a country-made firearm. All weapons were illegal. According to police records, Kanwa is a history-sheeter and previously wanted in two murder cases and several firing incidents. The other arrested accused were identified as Akash Rana, Vansh Shori, Gurkamal Singh alias Kamal, and Karandeep Singh alias Kanu.SSP Khurana said a detailed investigation is underway to identify suspects operating from abroad, trace the weapon supply chain, and expose the entire network involved in the conspiracy. Ranjit Singh has since returned to Italy.