Daijiworld Media Network – Jalandhar
Jalandhar, Jun 6: A 22-year-old man was killed after being shot during a police raid in Bangiwal village of Punjab's Jalandhar district on Friday evening, triggering a controversy with the family alleging excessive use of force and police claiming the firing was in self-defence.
The deceased has been identified as Lovepreet Singh, who suffered bullet injuries to his waist and thigh during the operation. He later succumbed to his injuries at Nakodar Civil Hospital. Lovepreet was the only brother among three sisters, and his father had passed away a few years ago.
According to police, a team led by Mehatpur Station House Officer (SHO) Aman Saini conducted a raid at Lovepreet's residence after receiving information about his presence there. Police said Lovepreet was wanted in an attempt-to-murder case registered earlier this year and had been absconding for nearly four months.
Jalandhar Rural Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harvinder Singh Virk said the police team encountered resistance from Lovepreet's family members and relatives, who allegedly attacked officers with sticks and stones while they were attempting to arrest him.
"When the police moved in to arrest him, they came under attack, forcing officers to open fire in self-defence. Two bullets hit Lovepreet during the scuffle," the SSP said.
Police further stated that SHO Aman Saini and Constable Sukhwinder Singh sustained injuries during the incident. Officials also claimed that Lovepreet was facing four additional criminal cases apart from the attempt-to-murder case.
However, Lovepreet's family strongly disputed the police account. His uncle, Jaswant Singh, alleged that the police team arrived at the house around 7.15 pm and began assaulting family members. He claimed that when relatives objected, police opened indiscriminate fire, striking Lovepreet and also firing shots into the air to intimidate villagers.
Family members said Lovepreet was initially taken to a nearby hospital before being shifted to Nakodar Civil Hospital, where he died during treatment around 9.30 pm.
Meanwhile, videos recorded by villagers have surfaced on social media, reportedly showing a confrontation between police personnel and family members before the shooting took place.
No FIR had been registered in connection with the incident till late Friday night. Police said further investigation is underway.