Punjab: Ten suspects held for attack on ex-serviceman

Jalandhar (Punjab) [India], August 11 : In a significant development to the Pipli village attack case, the Jalandhar Rural Police have arrested a total of 10 persons. The police have also recovered multiple weapons and vehicles linked to the crime, an official statement released on Sunday said.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said these arrests were made as part of the ongoing investigation into the August 3 attack on ex-serviceman Balwinder Singh's family in Pipli village, Lohian, as per the statement.
"The police teams led by SHO Lohian Bakshish Singh and Inspector CIA staff Jalandhar Rural have apprehended 10 suspects. Our teams have seized various weapons and vehicles connected to this case," SSP Khakh told media.
The arrested accused have been identified as Sukhjeevan Singh alias Gaggu, Amandeep Singh alias Amna, Pupinder Singh alias Pindu, Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggi, Gurjit Singh, Harpreet Singh alias Happy, Gurpreet Singh alias Baba, Shamsher Singh alias Sabi, Jatinder Kumar alias Bobby, and Yogesh Kumar alias Jerry.
The police have recovered one .32 bore pistol with 4 live rounds, and one country-made pistol (.315 bore) with 4 live rounds. Additionally, kirpans (ceremonial swords), datars (curved blades), sticks, and kahis (farm tools) were also recovered, it added.
SSP Khakh added that the attack was allegedly orchestrated by two NRI brothers, Dara Singh and Darbara Singh, both currently residing in England. "We are continuing our investigation into their role and are proceeding with the issuance of lookout notices," he added.
In a related development, Assistant Sub-Inspector Avtar Singh has been suspended for the alleged negligence of duty in connection with this case. According to a report from the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Sub Division Shahkot), ASI Singh failed to take appropriate action on a prior complaint related to the land dispute, which might have prevented the violent incident. A departmental inquiry has been initiated against him, the statement added.
"The dereliction of duty will not be tolerated", said SSP Khakh.
The case, registered under various sections of the IPC and Arms Act at Lothian Police Station, is part of a special campaign against criminal elements in the district. The operation was conducted under the guidance of SSP (Investigation) Jasroop Kor Bath and SP Shahkot Sub-Division Vijay Kunwar Pal, it added.
All accused have been presented before the court, and police remand has been obtained for further interrogation. The Jalandhar Rural Police are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend any remaining suspects, it added.
SSP Khakh said, "We are following all leads in this case. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the police."
The SSP also provided details about the incident, stating that it was related to a land dispute involving 10.5 acres of land in Pipli village. The attack reportedly involved a group of about 100 individuals who entered Balwinder Singh's house, allegedly assaulted family members, vandalized property, and stole valuables, as per the statement.
The Jalandhar police are committed to thoroughly investigating this case and bringing all culprits to justice, it added.