States » NorthPosted at: Nov 4 2026 9:47PM


Punjab police arrest fugitive after shootout, foil alleged plot to free jailed gangster during court transfer

Chandigarh, Nov 4 (UNI) Punjab police arrested a fugitive criminal suspect following an exchange of gunfire in Amritsar on Wednesday, uncovering an alleged plot to attack a police escort and free a jailed gangster during his transfer to court, a senior police official said.
The suspect, identified as Akashdeep alias Akash, sustained a bullet injury to his leg after allegedly opening fire on officers attempting to arrest him, Amritsar Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill said.
Police said Akashdeep and four accomplices were planning to free jailed gangster Angrez, who faces around 15 criminal cases, including those connected with the Bhola and Kot Khalsa murders.
"The accused, along with four associates, was planning to attack a police escort and free gangster Angrez while he was being taken to court," Gill said, according to the police account.
Investigators said the group intended to target the escort during a stop at a roadside eatery, where they allegedly planned to open fire on police personnel and facilitate the gangster's escape.
Akashdeep, a resident of Kardian village in Batala police district, had been declared a proclaimed offender by a court and was wanted in seven criminal cases registered at different police stations, Gill said.
He was also allegedly involved in a recent armed robbery at a money exchange shop in Batala, where Rs 250,000 was stolen at gunpoint.
Police said they received intelligence that Akashdeep was operating in Amritsar and launched an operation to track him using CCTV footage and technical surveillance.
When officers intercepted him, the suspect allegedly refused to surrender and fired two rounds at the police team, prompting officers to return fire.
"The suspect fired two shots at our team. Police retaliated in self-defence, and he was injured in the leg before being taken into custody," Gill said, according to details provided by police.
Akashdeep was taken to a government hospital for treatment. Police did not report any injuries among the officers involved in the operation.
A .32-calibre pistol, two spent cartridge cases, three live cartridges and a scooter bearing an Amritsar registration number were recovered from the scene, police said.
Investigators are checking the scooter's ownership records and examining whether the recovered weapon was used in other criminal offences.
Gill said police had identified the four alleged accomplices involved in the suspected escape plot and launched raids to arrest them.
According to investigators, the group had planned to exploit the movement of the jailed gangster between prison and court, with the attack allegedly timed to coincide with a stop by the police escort.
Police are examining how the suspects intended to obtain information about the gangster's movements and whether others were involved in organising the proposed attack.
The police commissioner said the investigation would also focus on the suspects' alleged involvement in the Batala robbery and their possible connections with other criminal networks.
The alleged conspiracy has raised concerns about the security of prisoners facing serious criminal charges during court appearances, although police have not disclosed whether any specific transfer date had been targeted.
Police said further action would follow the arrest of the remaining suspects and examination of evidence recovered during the operation.
The allegations against Akashdeep and his associates have not been established in court.
UNI NB CDS
Tags: #Punjab police arrest fugitive after shootout# foil alleged plot to free jailed gangster during court transfer
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