Ten arrested in attack on Ex-serviceman:Punjab

In a significant development in the Pipli village attack case, the Jalandhar Rural Police have arrested 10 individuals. Multiple weapons and vehicles linked to the crime have also been recovered, according to an official statement released on Sunday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh confirmed that these arrests were part of the ongoing investigation into the August 3 attack on the family of ex-serviceman Balwinder Singh in Pipli village, Lohian.

“The police teams, led by SHO Lohian Bakshish Singh and Inspector CIA staff Jalandhar Rural, have apprehended 10 suspects. Various weapons and vehicles connected to the case have been seized,” SSP Khakh told the media.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Sukhjeevan Singh alias Gaggu, Amandeep Singh alias Amna, Pupinder Singh alias Pindu, Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggi, Gurjit Singh, Harpreet Singh alias Happy, Gurpreet Singh alias Baba, Shamsher Singh alias Sabi, Jatinder Kumar alias Bobby, and Yogesh Kumar alias Jerry.

Recovered items include a .32 bore pistol with four live rounds, a country-made pistol (.315 bore) with four live rounds, kirpans (ceremonial swords), datars (curved blades), sticks, and kahis (farm tools).

SSP Khakh revealed that the attack was allegedly orchestrated by two NRI brothers, Dara Singh and Darbara Singh, both currently residing in England. “We are continuing our investigation into their involvement and are proceeding with the issuance of lookout notices,” he added.

In a related development, Assistant Sub-Inspector Avtar Singh has been suspended for alleged negligence of duty in connection with the case. According to a report from the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Sub Division Shahkot), ASI Singh failed to take appropriate action on a prior complaint related to the land dispute, which might have prevented the violent incident. A departmental inquiry has been initiated against him.

“Dereliction of duty will not be tolerated,” stated SSP Khakh.

The case has been registered under various sections of the IPC and Arms Act at Lohian Police Station as part of a special campaign against criminal elements in the district. The operation was conducted under the guidance of SSP (Investigation) Jasroop Kor Bath and SP Shahkot Sub-Division Vijay Kunwar Pal.

All the accused have been presented before the court, and police remand has been obtained for further interrogation. The Jalandhar Rural Police continue to investigate, aiming to identify and apprehend any remaining suspects.

“We are following all leads in this case,” said SSP Khakh. “Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the police.”

SSP Khakh also provided details about the incident, stating that it stemmed from a land dispute involving 10.5 acres in Pipli village. The attack reportedly involved a group of about 100 individuals who entered Balwinder Singh’s house, allegedly assaulted family members, vandalized property, and stole valuables.

The Jalandhar police are committed to thoroughly investigating this case and ensuring all culprits are brought to justice.