Punjab police ASI on patrol shot dead; govt announces Rs 1 cr ex gratia

On Friday morning, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) named Harjit Singh of the Amritsar Commissionerate Police was fatally shot while on patrol duty. ASI Harjit Singh, who hailed from Tarn Taran, was stationed at the Police Control Room (PCR) under the Gate Hakima police station's jurisdiction. The attack took place around 2:30 AM near the Bhagtanwala grain market, when two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on him.

Singh was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Amritsar but succumbed to his critical gunshot wounds. Police quickly responded to the scene to secure the area and gather forensic evidence. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the motive behind the crime and identify the assailants. The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore to the officer's family, and HDFC Bank will provide an additional insurance compensation of Rs 1 crore.