Chandigarh/SAS Nagar: In a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to make Punjab safer, a key accused involved in the murder of kabaddi player and promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh, alias Rana Balachauria, was neutralized during a fierce exchange of gunfire with the SAS Nagar district police. The encounter, which took place in Lalru on Wednesday, also resulted in two police personnel being injured.
The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for SAS Nagar, Harmandeep Hans, confirmed that the slain suspect was identified as Harpinder alias Middhi, a resident of Naushehra Pannuan in Tarn Taran. According to the police, Harpinder sustained bullet wounds during the gunfight and was immediately rushed to a local hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
The killing of Kabaddi player Kanwar Digvijay Singh on December 15 shocked the community. Singh, known for his involvement in both playing and promoting the sport, was shot dead by assailants in Mohali. Following the murder, police launched an extensive investigation, which led to the arrest of the mastermind behind the crime, Aishdeep Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran who had been staying in Russia. Aishdeep had reportedly traveled to India on November 25 to execute the murder under the direction of Dony Bal.
Aishdeep was arrested at Delhi Airport while attempting to flee the country and escape to Muscat. Following his arrest, he provided crucial information about his accomplice, Harpinder Middhi, who was believed to have actively assisted the shooters and was planning to escape with him.
Acting swiftly on the information provided by Aishdeep, a police team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dera Bassi Bikramjit Singh Brar, along with Inspectors Sumit Mor, Pushvinder Singh, and Malkiat Singh, conducted a raid near Jharmal River on the Ambala-Lalru Highway.
However, when the police team closed in on his location, Harpinder opened fire on the officers, resulting in injuries to two police personnel—Head Constables Gulab Singh and Kumar Sharma. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, Harpinder was shot and later died from his wounds after being rushed to the Civil Hospital in Dera Bassi.
SSP Harmandeep Hans confirmed that another individual, Jugraj Singh, was arrested with the assistance of Amritsar Rural Police for his involvement in the murder case. The police continue to make progress in the investigation and have identified all the key suspects involved. Raids are being conducted to apprehend the remaining accused.
This significant development comes as part of an ongoing initiative by Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure law and order in the state and curb violent crimes.
Further updates on the investigation are expected as the police continue their efforts to bring all those responsible for the murder to justice.
