PTC Web Desk: In a broad daylight attack in Punjab's Amritsar district, 28-year-old Jugraj Singh alias Tota, the younger brother of slain gangster and Sidhu Moosewala’s shooter Jagrup Singh alias Roopa, was shot dead on Saturday. The killing took place at Channanke village under Mehta police station limits and was captured on nearby CCTV cameras.
According to the police, three unidentified assailants on a motorcycle approached Jugraj, who was standing beside a parked motorcycle, and opened fire from close range. He died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Following the incident, a post surfaced on social media in which the Bambiha gang claimed responsibility for the killing. The post, allegedly made by gang members Doni Bal, Mohabbat Randhawa, and Kaushal Chaudhary, accused Jugraj of aiding rival gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and conducting reconnaissance for the murder of Bambiha gang aide Gore Bariar. The post also warned others aligned with Bhagwanpuria, stating, “We are watching everyone. Wait and watch.”
While the authenticity of the post could not be independently verified, the police said they were aware of the social media claim and were investigating all angles, including gang rivalry.
"Prima facie, it appears to be a case of personal and gang-related enmity," said ASI Balkar Singh of the Mehta police station. "Jugraj Singh was also involved in criminal activities and had gang affiliations. Based on CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, a manhunt has been launched to nab the attackers.
The police have sealed off the area and initiated a search operation in nearby regions to apprehend the suspects.
Who was Jagrup Singh Roopa?
Jagrup Singh, also known as ‘Roopa’, was a notorious gangster from Punjab. He gained notoriety after being identified as one of the shooters involved in the high-profile murder of Sidhu Moosewala on May 29, 2022. He was closely associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar gangs, which are infamous for organised criminal activities in Punjab and Haryana.
A resident of Amritsar district, Jagrup’s descent into crime began early due to bad company, drug addiction, and involvement in petty crimes. In 2017, his family reportedly disowned him because of his addiction and criminal behaviour. Subsequently, he joined criminal gangs and began engaging in violent crimes involving firearms.
Following the murder of Sidhu Moosewala, a massive manhunt was launched to track down the shooters. Jagrup remained on the run for nearly two months before being cornered by the Punjab Police’s Special Operations Team on July 20, 2022, at Bhakna Kalan village near Amritsar.
During the encounter, Jagrup and his accomplice Manpreet Singh Mannu opened fire on the police. After several hours of a tense standoff and exchange of gunfire, both were killed on the spot in retaliatory firing by the police.
