A shocking video posted by a Pakistan-based gangster allegedly depicts the killing of a police officer in Gurdaspur, sparking a terror investigation and political uproar
IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo
Key Points
- The Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan claimed responsibility for the Gurdaspur police killings, prompting a terror investigation.
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced ex-gratia payments for the families of the slain police personnel.
- Opposition parties are criticizing the AAP government over the Gurdaspur incident, demanding accountability and a thorough investigation.
- Punjab Police are investigating all angles, including potential terror links and ISI involvement, in the Gurdaspur police killings.
A day after two police personnel were found shot dead at a checkpost in Gurdaspur near the Indo-Pak border, a Pakistan-based gangster posted on social media a purported video showing an unidentified shooter firing at one of the cops at point-blank range.
The same unverified video, posted by gangster Shahzad Bhatti, was also shared by an outfit calling itself Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan, which had claimed responsibility for the killings on Sunday.
Asked about the video, a senior police officer said that they are probing all angles.
On whether it was a terror act or linked to Pakistan’s spy agency ISI, Special Director General of Police (law and order) Arpit Shukla told reporters, “We are deeply investigating the matter. Very soon we will share the results with you.”
“For us, it is a challenging case… all angles are being probed.”
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who has come under fresh attack from the opposition over the incident, announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore each for the kin of two police personnel.
Asked about the case, he said the investigation was underway.
In the unverified video, the shooter holding a weapon could be seen firing at Assistant Sub-Inspector Gurnam Singh.
The bodies of ASI Singh and Home Guard Ashok Kumar, who were posted at Adhian, about 2 km from the international border, were found inside the checkpost on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters in Amritsar, Special Director General of Police (law and order) Arpit Shukla called the death of cops an unfortunate incident and said senior officers were camping in Gurdaspur for the investigation.
Asked about the purported video shared by gangster Shahzad Bhatti, Shukla said, “Not only this, we are also investigating other things.
The clues that we have, we are investigating them. Whenever we get facts, we will share them with you.”
Replying to another question, Shukla said there is complete coordination with the Border Security Force.
He said joint patrolling with the BSF was being conducted in the border areas.
In a post on X, CM Mann said, “Salute to the bravery and supreme sacrifice of martyrs ASI Gurnam Singh and PHG Ashok Kumar, who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
“The Punjab government will provide an ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore each to their families, while the HDFC Bank will provide an additional insurance amount of Rs 1 crore each.”
“We stand strongly with our martyrs and their families. Their sacrifice inspires us all to perform our duties with honour and courage,” the chief minister added.
A forensic team visited the spot on Monday, a police officer said.
The killings came to light when the sarpanch of Adhian village, Kamaljeet Singh, visited the checkpost after being informed by the Dorangla SHO that both policemen were not answering their calls.
The sarpanch, who reached the checkpost at about 8:15 am, found both the ASI and the home guard dead with gunshot injuries.
While the ASI’s body was found on a chair with his hands in his pockets, the home guard was lying dead on a cot, police said.
The area where the bodies were found is prone to smuggling of heroin and weapons using drones from across the border.
After the incident was reported, posters allegedly issued by an outfit calling itself Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH) circulated on social media, claiming responsibility for the killings.
Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Ashok Kumar were consigned to flames at village Kailashpur in Gurdaspur district with full state honours.
Senior officers, including Special Director General of Police Naresh Arora, Deputy Inspector General of Police Sandeep Goel, and Gurdaspur Senior Superintendent of Police Aditya, were present at the cremation.
Special DGP Arora said it was an unfortunate incident and the entire police department stands by the family of the deceased.
The Congress, BJP and SAD slammed the AAP government over the incident. Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging for a transparent probe into the matter.
BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh sought an NIA inquiry and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mann, alleging his government had “completely failed” to maintain law and order in the border state.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal claumed no one is safe under AAP’s rule.
In a post on X, Badal said, “Bhagwant Mann must go, NOW. This chief minister is presiding over the complete breakdown of law and order as the home minister.”
“The killing of two police personnel, ASI Gurnam Singh and Home Guard Ashok Kumar, for which the new terror outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan has claimed responsibility, has sent a clear signal: No one is safe in Punjab.
“After terrorising trade, industry, and the common man, gangsters and terror outfits are now directly challenging the police force. This is not governance, it’s surrender,” he alleged.
