Ludhiana rural police arrests main accused after encounter in jeweller’s showroom firing

LUDHIANA: The Ludhiana Rural Police on Sunday arrested the main accused involved in the firing incident at Lakhe Wale Jewellers showroom near Rani Jhansi Chowk, Jagraon (Ludhiana). The arrest was made following an encounter in which the accused sustained a gunshot injury to his leg.

The accused has been identified as Krishan Kaki from Malsia Wali Basti, Zira, in District Ferozepur. The police also recovered a .32 bore pistol, two live cartridges, and a bike from his possession.

Providing details, SSP Ludhiana Rural Dr Ankur Gupta stated that since the incident on 5th March, police teams had been tracking the accused. He was apprehended following an intelligence-based operation conducted jointly by CIA Ludhiana Rural and AGTF. His location was traced near Jagraon-Sidhwan Bet Road.

Gupta further said that the police party pursued the accused, but instead of surrendering, he fired three gunshots at the police party, one of which struck the police vehicle. Fortunately, no police personnel were injured in the incident.

The SSP added that, acting in self-defence, the police retaliated, causing a gunshot injury to the accused's right leg before apprehending him. He was subsequently taken to a local civil hospital, where his condition is reported to be stable.

Police stated that a case has been registered against the accused at City Jagraon Police Station under Sections 125 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the BNS, along with relevant sections of the Arms Act.

SSP Ankur Gupta reiterated that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is “committed” to ensuring a safe environment for the people and that anti-social elements will face severe action.