(MOREPIC1) (MOREPIC2) (MOREPIC3)Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur
Bringing a dramatic turn to the high-profile Naveen Arora murder investigation, the Punjab Police shot dead the prime shooter Badal in an early-morning encounter at Mahmu Johian village in Fazilka district today. Badal, who had allegedly pulled the trigger at point-blank range on Naveen, was being taken by the police for recovery when the incident unfolded.
DIG Ferozepur Range, Harmanbir Singh Gill, said the police had earlier apprehended Badal from Zira following precise intelligence inputs. During questioning, it emerged that he was preparing to flee to Rajasthan with the help of two aides, Raju and Sonu. He had also disclosed that the trio had planned to meet at the cremation ground of Mahmu Johia village.
“When the police team led by DSP (City) Sukhwinder Singh and DSP (D) Karan Sharma reached the cremation ground around 5 am along with Badal, two unidentified assailants suddenly opened fire, injuring Head Constable Balour Singh. A total of 20 rounds were fired—11 by the attackers and 9 by the police. Taking cover in the dense fog, the shooters managed to escape,” the DIG said.
He added that Badal sustained critical bullet injuries during the exchange of fire and was rushed to Fazilka Civil Hospital, where he later died during treatment.
Two pistols, a .30 bore and a .32 bore, were recovered from the spot. “Since Naveen was killed with a .32 bore weapon, the recovered pistol will be sent for forensic examination to confirm if it is the same murder weapon,” the DIG said.
He further stated that the investigation is now probing every angle, including possible links to anti-national elements operating from within or outside India.
It may be recalled that on November 15, Badal and another accomplice had shot Naveen Arora while he was walking home. So far, four accused, including a Ludhiana-based woman—have been arrested. Those in custody include Gursimran Singh alias Jatin Kali (22), Kanav (27) and Harsh (22). The woman, Bhawna, was arrested for sheltering the sixth accused, whose identity has not yet been revealed.