The police have achieved a significant breakthrough in the sensational firing incident that took place on the night of April 14 at the Payal grain market. The police have arrested one of the accused shooters involved in the crime, while his accomplice reportedly remains at large. The arrested accused has been identified as Umesh Kumar, a resident of Sahnewal.
According to police sources, when the team raided the location to apprehend the accused, he jumped from the roof in an attempt to evade arrest, sustaining a severe fracture to his leg in the process. In his injured state, he was immediately admitted to the Civil Hospital in Khanna, where he is currently undergoing treatment. This entire operation was executed by a special team constituted under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr. Darpan Ahluwalia. Police officials state that the case is being investigated in depth, and the absconding accused will also be arrested shortly.
**The Firing Incident That Spread Terror on April 14**
It is noteworthy that late on the night of April 14, two unidentified assailants opened indiscriminate fire at the shop of a *commission agent* (*Arhati*) within the Payal grain market. Two individuals were present inside the shop at the time of the incident; fortunately, however, there was no loss of life. The assailants fled the scene immediately after committing the crime, creating an atmosphere of panic within the market.
**Key Clues Point to Extortion Link**
Preliminary investigations have revealed that this case is linked to extortion. Police inquiries have established that prior to the incident—specifically on March 31—the concerned commission agent had received a threatening phone call demanding a ransom of one crore rupees. The name of notorious gangster Doni Ball has surfaced as the individual behind this call, having allegedly issued the threats to the businessman. In connection with this case, a First Information Report (FIR) was also registered against Shaganpreet Singh—the former manager of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala—and his father, Saudagar Singh Sarao. The police have already arrested Saudagar Singh Sarao and sent him to judicial custody, while Shaganpreet Singh is currently believed to be in Australia, and his role in the matter remains under investigation. Police Crackdown; Demand for Enhanced Security
The police have currently formed various teams and intensified the search for the absconding accused. Meanwhile, following this incident, an atmosphere of fear and insecurity prevails among the traders and commission agents at the market. Trade organizations have urged the administration to further strengthen security arrangements. Police officials have appealed to the general public to immediately report any suspicious activity or threats to the police, so that strict action can be ensured in a timely manner.
