Two held for firing gunshots in mela

The Jalandhar (Rural) police have arrested two individuals, who allegedly brandished weapons and fired shots into the air, during a traditional “Chinj Mela” within the jurisdiction of Patara police station. The incident, which posed a potential risk to public safety, was promptly controlled by the immediate response of the local police.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Sudagar Singh, a resident of Khali Rakh, and Harjot Singh, a resident of Patara. Besides, four other suspects — Amandeep Singh, alias Amna, a resident of Patara; Harjot Singh, a resident of Emal Ghun; Akaljot Singh, a resident of Maud Hithathar, and Rajveer Singh, a resident of Nete, Jalandhar, have also been identified. They too are involved in the incident.

A case has been registered under Sections 109, 125, 190 and 191(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Sections 25, 27 and 29 of the Arms Act, 1959, at the Patara police station.

Speaking to mediapersons, Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh, SSP, Jalandhar, said, “Upon receiving information about the firing incident at Chinj Mela, police teams led by Patara SHO under the supervision of Adampur DSP Kulwant Singh immediately took action against the suspects. The suspects fired two rounds into the air using licensed weapons and air guns, causing panic among the public present at the mela. Such acts of hooliganism and public intimidation will not be tolerated.”

Preliminary investigation indicates the incident stemmed from internal rivalry with the suspects reportedly displeased with another group supporting the mela organisers. Timely intervention by the police ensured peaceful conclusion of the mela without harm to the public, the SSP said.

The police team conducted a raid resulting in the seizure of multiple licensed weapons from the possession of the suspects — including a .315 bore rifle, a .32 bore revolver and an air gun, he said. The police also recovered several sharp weapons during the operation, he said. Besides, a vehicle was also impounded, the SSP added. He said, “The arrested individuals will be presented in a court, for seeking remand for further investigation.”