Breaking: Anti-Drug Committee Member Attacked in Barnala Village, Shot at
Attack allegedly carried out by youths angered over action against drug peddlers; police launch hunt for four accused
Barnala, November 7 | Kamaljit Sandhu / Babushahi Network
Amid the ongoing campaign against drugs in Punjab, a member of an anti-drug committee was allegedly targeted in a life-threatening attack in Kaleke village of Barnala district. According to the allegations, some persons angered over the committee's efforts to get drug sellers and users apprehended reached the house of committee member Amandeep Singh (Aman) and opened fire. A bullet hit his leg, leaving him seriously injured. He was initially taken to a hospital in Barnala and subsequently referred to a super-speciality hospital for better treatment.
The incident triggered panic in the village and surrounding areas. Police have initiated an investigation and launched raids to trace the four alleged attackers.
Amandeep Had Informed Police About Drug Use
The injured Amandeep Singh said he had received information about some individuals possessing narcotic substances. He immediately dialled the emergency number 112 and informed the police. The individuals concerned were subsequently handed over to the police personnel who reached the spot.
According to Amandeep, the police asked him to visit the police station to formally lodge a complaint in the matter. He informed the police that he would reach the station shortly after having his meal and taking a bath.
He alleged that, in the meantime, associates of those involved in drug consumption and sale arrived at his house in anger. The attackers allegedly pushed the main gate forcefully before opening fire. During the firing, a bullet struck his leg, leaving him injured.
Anti-Drug Committee Had Been Active for 15–20 Days
Committee member Sukhchain Singh Cheena said that the village panchayat, sarpanch and various organisations had jointly formed an anti-drug committee with the objective of making the village drug-free. For the past 15–20 days, committee members had reportedly been identifying people involved in selling or consuming what is commonly referred to as 'white drugs' and handing them over to the authorities.
He said that at around 9:30 am on Saturday, the committee received information that some youths were consuming drugs inside a house. When committee members reached the spot, the youths had already consumed the substance. Silver foil and a lighter were recovered from the premises. During questioning, one of the youths present there disclosed the names of some of his associates. The committee handed over the youth found at the spot to the authorities.
According to Sukhchain Singh Cheena, when the committee members later returned home for lunch, they received information that Ranjit Singh Raju, Sukhpreet Singh Sukhkhu, Sukhchain Singh Chahan and Prince had allegedly gone to Aman's house and opened fire.
He further alleged that the attackers also approached his house. Claiming that he acted in self-defence, he said he fired shots in the air with his licensed weapon, following which the attackers fled in a vehicle.
Sukhchain Singh Cheena also alleged that the main accused, Ranjit Singh Raju, had previously been booked in cases involving illegal weapons and under the NDPS Act. Villagers have demanded strict action against all those involved.
Congress Will Launch Protest if Accused Are Not Arrested Within 24 Hours: Kala Dhillon
Condemning the incident, Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Kala Dhillon said the law and order situation in Punjab was a matter of serious concern and that youths raising their voices against drugs were being targeted.
He warned that if the police failed to arrest the accused within 24 hours, the Congress party would launch a major protest.
MLA Labh Singh Ugoke Visits Injured Youth in Hospital
Bhadaur MLA Labh Singh Ugoke said he had visited the hospital to enquire about the injured youth's health. He added that he had spoken to the Barnala SSP and the police administration regarding the incident. He expressed confidence that the accused would be arrested soon.
Police Teams Formed to Trace Four Accused: DSP
DSP D Rajinder Pal Singh confirmed that four persons had allegedly opened fire on Mandeep Singh alias Aman in Kaleke village. He said that a case was being registered on the basis of the statements of the victim's family. Separate police teams have been formed to trace and arrest the accused, and raids are underway.
Injured Man's Condition Stable: Doctor
Dr Ishan said the patient was brought to the super-speciality hospital with a gunshot injury. He said the exact nature and extent of the injury would become clear after a CT scan and other necessary investigations. The patient's condition is currently stable.