Mohali :
Mohali Police engaged in an armed encounter with suspected drug traffickers today morning, during which 10 to 15 rounds of gunfire were exchanged. A bullet struck an SHO’s official vehicle, while two accused—Jaskaran and Lakhwinder—were injured in the police’s retaliatory firing. Another accused, Gagan, was arrested.
According to police, the operation was launched after intelligence inputs indicated that the suspects were hiding in the Industrial Area of Mohali. As the police team reached the spot, the accused allegedly opened fire, prompting the police to retaliate.
The encounter comes a day after drug traffickers allegedly attacked a police team in the Sohana police station area, injuring two constables and helping some arrested associates escape from police custody. Following the incident, police launched a large-scale manhunt across Punjab and neighbouring states.
The injured accused were admitted to the Civil Hospital, Phase-6, Mohali, for treatment. SSP Sandeep Hans visited the spot to review the situation and supervise the investigation.
The SSP said that two other accused had surrendered before the police earlier in the day, while Gagan, Jaskaran and Lakhwinder were traced during the encounter. One of the accused already has criminal cases related to assault registered against him.
Police recovered a .32 bore firearm and several swords from the accused. The suspects, residents of Gigemajra and Tangori villages in Mohali district, are also being investigated for their criminal background.
Police teams had been conducting raids in Amritsar, Ambala and Patiala, besides searching the accused’s residences. Their families had also been urged to persuade them to surrender. Officials said further interrogation is expected to reveal more details about the drug trafficking network and those involved.
