Ludhiana: A senior police officer in Punjab’s Doraha district narrowly escaped death on Monday morning after a wanted criminal opened fire during a high-speed encounter, with a bullet striking the officer’s chest.
His bulletproof vest saved him.Inspector Akash Datt, the station house officer (SHO) of Doraha, took one of the three shots that 27-year-old Harsimran Singh ‘Mand’ had allegedly fired at the cops. The confrontation ended with the arrest of Harsimran Singh and his accomplice, Avanjot Singh Bhandal, following a pursuit on Rampur Road.The encounter began at about 8am after Doraha police and crime investigation agency (CIA) staff received credible intelligence regarding Harsimran Singh’s location.
The wanted criminal, who was driving an unlisted black Mahindra Scorpio, reportedly rammed his SUV into a police vehicle in an attempt to evade capture. “One of the three gunshots fired by the accused hit me directly in the chest,” inspector Datt said.
“Because I was wearing a bulletproof jacket, I escaped unhurt.”Datt retaliated by firing two shots, one of which struck Harsimran Singh in the right knee, disabling him. Superintendent of police (investigations) Pawanjit Singh confirmed that both suspects had been apprehended on the scene by 8.15am. Investigators claim to have seized two .32-bore pistols from the vehicle. Harsimran Singh was transported to a govt hospital in Payal for the treatment of his leg wound.SP Pawanjit Singh also said: “The SHO demonstrated exceptional bravery and tactical skill in apprehending these individuals under fire.
Forensic teams are processing the crime scene. While Harsimran Singh is a known fugitive, police sources indicate they are still investigating the involvement of Bhandal, who does not have a prior criminal record.A Violent HistoryAccording to police records, Harsimran Singh has a history of targeting law enforcement. In Oct 2023, he was charged with attempted murder and violations of the Arms Act after allegedly trying to run a policeman over at a checkpoint, crushing the officer’s foot. In 2023 again, he was booked in a kidnapping case at the Ludhiana Sadar police station and faced additional firearms charges at the Machhiwara station. Despite multiple warrants, Harsimran Singh had evaded capture until Monday.
Police authorities had initiated legal proceedings recently to declare him a “proclaimed offender”.
