Suspect killed in ‘encounter’ amid cross-border claims of ASI killing plot

In Amritsar, Punjab, a 20-year-old suspect named Deepak Singh was killed during a late-night police encounter on the night of September 18, according to the Punjab Police. Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill identified Deepak as the accused in the killing of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Harjeet Singh. The incident took place on Thande Road when police officers stopped the suspect's scooter upon a signal to halt at a checkpoint.

Deepak and his accomplice fled the scene, leading to a chase, and subsequently opened fire on the police team, discharging four rounds. The police returned fire, hitting Deepak with two bullets, one of which struck a Counter Intelligence officer's bulletproof jacket. The officers also fired six rounds in self-defense, leading to Deepak's death en route to the hospital. His associate managed to escape the scene.

The Punjab Police alleged that Pakistan had directed the attack on ASI Harjeet Singh on the night of September 18 in the Dana Mandi area. Deepak's family claimed that he worked as a laborer installing telecom towers and rarely stayed at home, spending most of his time outside. They also denied any involvement with handlers in Pakistan or receiving instructions to target police officers.

Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill refuted the family's claims, stating that Deepak had recently gone missing from home for three to four days before the encounter.