2 members of Bishnoi gang try to flee custody, held after shootout

Two members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang were nabbed following a shootout on the outskirts of Jalandhar Cantonment here today. They were being taken to a place to recover arms and ammunition when they tried to escape the police custody.

The suspects have been identified as Harinder Singh, alias Hinda, of Mahadipur Jattan in Adampur and Sukhmanjit Singh, alias Sukhman, of New Deol Nagar here. Three weapons, along with magazines and cartridges, have been recovered from them.

The two were earlier apprehended during the investigation in an FIR registered under the Arms Act at the Bhargo Camp police station. Four persons were already arrested in the case after five weapons were recovered from them.

Divulging details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Swapan Sharma said following disclosures made by them, a police team was taking Harinder and Sukhmanjit to an isolated place on the outskirts of Jalandhar Contonment where they had claimed to have concealed arms and ammunition.

“During the recovery operation, Sukhmanjit opened fire at cops, prompting a retaliatory action. Both the suspects were apprehended,” he said, while adding that at least 13 rounds of fires were exchanged during the shootout.

The CP said during the operation, Sukhmanjit sustained bullet injuries and Harinder received some minor injuries. Both were admitted to a local hospital. “Probe is on to unravel their criminal network,” he added.