Punjab News: A Punjab Police assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants in Naushehra Pannuna, Tarn Taran on Sunday evening, raising questions over the law and order in the poll-bound state. This was the third attack on police personnel by bike-borne assailants.
What Police Said On ASI's Killing
According to Deputy Inspector General of Police (Ferozepur Range) Snehdeep Sharma, ASI Iqbal Singh, who was posted in Makhu in Ferozepur district, was going back home when he was attacked by two unidentified bike-borne assailants. The criminals fired multiple shots from point-blank range at Iqbal. Two bullets hit him, leaving him seriously injured. Later, he was rushed to a hospital where he was declared brought dead.
"We are investigating the case, taking all aspects into consideration. Police are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas. Multiple teams have been dispatched to trace and nab the assailants. We have leads and we are working on them. We will soon nab the assailants," the DIG said.
Iqbal's Nephew Shot Dead By Motorcycle-Borne Assailants On Sep 11
Iqbal's assassination came a month after his nephew, Ajmeet Singh, was shot dead in a similar fashion by motorcycle-borne assailants on September 11. India Today reported that Ajmeet was a history-sheeter criminal. He had more than half a dozen cases registered against him. He was also named in the rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack case. However, it is unclear whether Iqbal's murder is linked to his nephew's killing.
Third Attack On Policemen In A Month
The latest incident came close on the heels of an assistant sub-inspector being shot at by three motorcycle-borne assailants in Amritsar on October 4. Sukhchain Singh, posted as ASI in Government Railway Police (GRP) in Amritsar, sustained a bullet injury to his left arm. Last month, ASI Harjit Singh was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne men at the Bhagtanwala grain market in Amritsar on the intervening night of September 18 and 19.
(With PTI inputs)