TWO EXTORTIONISTS HELD AFTER BRIEF EXCHANGE OF FIRE IN FEROZEPUR

Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur

Two alleged extortionists and associates of a gangster were arrested following a brief exchange of fire with police near Fatehgarh Sabra village in the Mallanwala area on Saturday evening.

SSP Bhupinder Singh identified the accused as Harjeet Singh, son of Jatinder Singh of Talwandi Soba in Patti Sadar area, and Dilbagh Singh, son of Rashpal Singh of Jogewala village.

According to the SSP, CIA and Mallanwala police teams had received information about the movement of the two accused and laid a joint naka near Fatehgarh Sabra. When the duo, travelling on a motorcycle, was signalled to stop, they allegedly opened fire at the police and tried to flee. A bullet hit a police vehicle.

Police retaliated, injuring both accused in their legs. They were subsequently admitted to the civil hospital. Police also recovered two pistols from the spot.

The SSP said both accused have criminal backgrounds and further investigation is underway.