Gangster shoots at ASI, held

TARN TARAN : A wanted gangster and drug smuggler on Monday shot at an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) at Pahuwind village of Tarn Taran district’s Bhikhwind subdivision.

The ASI, Malkiat Singh, who was on night duty at the Bhikhiwind police station, has been admitted to a private hospital for treatment. His condition was stated to be out of danger. Despite receiving a bullet injury on his right leg, the ASI nabbed the gangster, identified as Rashpal Singh, alias Daula, of Bhuchhar

Kalan village, the police said.

The incident took place when Malkiat Singh along with Ranjit Singh, a home guards jawan, was returning from the village after receiving a complaint of motorcycle theft.

“When the ASI intercepted two suspicious men on a bike, Rashpal started firing from his pistol. One of the bullets pierced Malkiat’s right leg. A total of five rounds were fired by the gangster,” said SSP Dhruman H Nimbale. Rashpal is facing seven criminal cases, including one of murder, two under the Arms Act and four under the NDPS Act, Nimbale added.

A case was registered against Rashpal under Sections 307, 323333, 186, 353 and 34 of the IPC and under the Arms Act.

The SSP said they have recommended the ASI’S name for bravery award. Rashpal is believed to be a close aide of Tejinder Singh, alias Teja who was arrested by the Punjab Police’s organised crime control unit (OCCU) in June in connection with 2kg gold dacoity in Ludhiana.