A dramatic police encounter unfolded early Monday morning in Punjab’s Jalandhar district, as two notorious gangsters were injured during an exchange of fire with the Jalandhar Rural Police near Shahkot. The shootout occurred in the jurisdiction of the Kotli Gujran Railway Police Station when police attempted to intercept two suspects delivering drugs.
The accused, identified as Ajay alias Baja from Nurmahal and Lakhwinder Singh from Lohian Khas, opened fire on police when challenged near the Shahkot railway underpass. In retaliatory firing, both were shot and later arrested. Authorities confirmed recovery of illegal arms, narcotic pills, and mobile phones from the spot.
🔴 Morning Gunfight on Railway Road
According to SSP Harvinder Singh Virk, the police received a tip-off around 4:45 AM that two armed suspects were traveling on a motorcycle near the Shahkot area. Acting swiftly, a joint team from Shahkot Police Station and the Malsian outpost was deployed under the leadership of SHO and DSP Onkar Singh Barad.
At around 6:15 AM, the suspects approached from the Bajwa Kalan side. When signaled to stop by police at the Kotli Gujran railway underbridge, they opened fire with an apparent intent to kill the officers. The police team responded with controlled retaliatory firing, injuring both suspects—one shot in the thigh, the other in the leg.
🔴 Accused Have Criminal Background, Face Charges Across Districts
The arrested gangsters are no small-time criminals. SSP Virk confirmed that both Ajay alias Baja and Lakhwinder Singh have multiple FIRs registered against them in various Punjab districts, including Shahkot and Lohian Khas. Their criminal records include charges of attempt to murder, drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal possession of arms.
Following the shootout, both were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. Their current condition is reported to be stable. Investigations have now expanded to uncover their wider criminal network and past involvements.
🔴 Drugs and Firearms Recovered from the Scene
From the crime scene, police recovered two .32 bore pistols, several rounds of ammunition, and a substantial quantity of intoxicating tablets (commonly abused synthetic narcotics). These are believed to have been intended either for delivery or street-level distribution. Mobile phones seized from the accused are being analyzed for further leads, including messages and call logs that could trace back to other gang members and international handlers.
SSP Virk noted that Punjab Police is actively cracking down on gangs operating in the state, especially those linked to overseas criminal networks.
🔴 US & UK-Based Gangster Handlers Involved
In a significant revelation, SSP Harvinder Singh Virk stated that both accused were working under the command of foreign-based handlers. Specifically, they were carrying out extortion threats and operations on the instructions of gangsters Germanjit Singh and Navdeep Singh, both believed to be residing in the United States.
Additionally, police sources confirm that the accused were in touch with other handlers based in the United Kingdom. These handlers directed local gang members to execute extortion, violence, and drug distribution while remaining out of reach of Indian authorities.
This highlights the growing trend of transnational gangster networks, where foreign-based masterminds operate remotely using communication apps and local foot soldiers in Punjab.
🔴 Punjab Grapples with Organised Crime and Gang Network
Punjab has been witnessing an alarming rise in gangster-related crimes, especially in rural areas where law enforcement often faces challenges due to geographical spread and community silence. From targeted killings to ransom calls and cross-border drug trafficking, a web of organized crime has taken root in the state.
The current case underscores how gangs are becoming more structured, operating with military-like discipline, and using advanced communication tools. These gangs are increasingly being linked to Canada, USA, UK, and Australia—countries with large Punjabi diaspora populations.
🔴 Political and Law Enforcement Pressure Mounts
The encounter has once again brought Punjab’s deteriorating law and order situation into sharp focus. With repeated incidents of petrol bomb attacks, extortion calls, targeted shootings, and now daylight encounters, the Punjab Police is under pressure to act tough on organised gangs.
SSP Harvinder Singh Virk reassured the media that a detailed dossier is being prepared on the arrested men and that all foreign links are under investigation. He added, “We are coordinating with national agencies and cyber units to trace the financial and communication trails of these gangsters.”
🔴 Gang-Linked Ransom Demands Not New
This is not the first time Punjab Police has uncovered ransom extortion plots linked to foreign handlers. In several past incidents, businessmen and professionals in Punjab have received extortion threats via encrypted apps, often in the name of dreaded gangsters operating from overseas.
The method involves initial phone or video threats, followed by attacks or property damage to instill fear. In some cases, local shooters are hired on commission to carry out intimidation or violence.
Conclusion
Monday’s encounter in Shahkot is another reminder of how deeply embedded gang operations have become in Punjab’s criminal landscape. With gangsters acting as foot soldiers for foreign handlers, the nexus between local crime and international crime syndicates is tightening.
While the swift police response and arrests have prevented a potential drug delivery or violent incident, it is clear that Punjab’s battle against organised crime will require not just immediate action, but long-term strategies involving cyber intelligence, border control, and international cooperation.
The arrest of Ajay alias Baja and Lakhwinder Singh is a small but significant victory in this complex fight.
