Amritsar rural police encounter: Most-wanted gangster Harman Boparai injured, arrested after firing at cops
Most-wanted gangster Harman Boparai was injured and arrested after allegedly firing at Amritsar Rural Police during a checkpoint. A bullet grazed the Mattewal SHO's arm
PTC Web Desk: The Amritsar Rural Police have arrested most-wanted gangster Harman Singh alias Harman Boparai after an encounter in the Mattewal area. Harman suffered a bullet injury to his leg during the exchange of fire and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
A police official also had a narrow escape during the incident. A bullet fired by the accused reportedly grazed the arm of Mattewal SHO Daljit Singh.
Police set up checkpoint after tip-off
According to Amritsar Rural SSP Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal, the Mattewal SHO and his team had received information that Harman, who is wanted in several serious criminal cases, was moving around the area and could be planning another crime.
Acting on the information, the police set up a checkpoint near a canal in the area towards Bhoa and Chugawan.
During the operation, Harman allegedly arrived alone on a Splendor motorcycle. The police signalled him to stop, but instead of complying, he allegedly pulled out a pistol and opened fire at the police team.
The accused reportedly fired three to four rounds, with one bullet passing very close to SHO Daljit Singh's arm.
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Police returned fire
SSP Chahal said the police first fired into the air and warned Harman to surrender. However, he allegedly continued firing. The police then fired back in self-defence. Three rounds were fired by the police, one of which hit Harman in the leg. He fell to the ground after being injured and was subsequently taken into custody.
The police recovered an alleged illegal .32-bore pistol, live ammunition and empty cartridges from the spot.
Wanted in Gurdaspur grenade attack case
According to the police, Harman is a proclaimed offender (PO) and was wanted in connection with the reported grenade attack at Hanuman Chowk in Gurdaspur.
He is also facing a case registered at Mattewal police station in connection with an alleged attempt on a person's life.
The police said three serious criminal cases, including attempt to murder and snatching, are currently registered against him.
After receiving medical treatment, Harman is expected to be produced before a court, where the police will seek his remand.