By – Shubhendra Rajawat
In a joint operation by the Punjab and Uttar Pradesh police, three Khalistani terrorists were killed in an encounter near the Hardai Branch Canal in Puranpur, Pilibhit, early Monday morning. The terrorists, who were responsible for a grenade and bomb attack on a police station in Punjab’s Gurudaspur, had fled and hidden in Puranpur after the assault. The operation resulted in the death of all three suspects, while two Uttar Pradesh police officers were injured and later hospitalized.
The terrorists, identified as Gurvinder Singh (25), Virender Singh (23), and Jaspreet Singh (18), were all from Gurudaspur, Punjab. According to Pilibhit’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Avinash Pandey, the attack on the police station in Gurudaspur involved grenades thrown by the suspects. After this attack, the trio escaped and took refuge in Puranpur. Punjab police, in collaboration with UP police, tracked the suspects’ movements, which led them to the area.
Around 5 a.m. on Monday, a police checkpoint reported that three suspicious individuals were traveling towards Pilibhit on a motorcycle. The joint police teams from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh followed the suspects, who attempted to evade capture by turning off towards Madhotanda. When the police attempted to encircle them, the terrorists opened fire, leading to a violent shootout. In the ensuing gunfight, the terrorists were killed, and police recovered substantial arms and ammunition from the scene, including two AK-47 rifles, two foreign-made Glock pistols, and a stolen motorcycle.
The police sealed off a three-kilometer area around the encounter site and conducted a thorough investigation. The recovered weapons and ammunition have been confirmed to be part of the terrorists’ arsenal. According to ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash, the three terrorists were affiliated with the banned Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), a Khalistani militant group operating in India. The operation was based on intelligence shared by Punjab police, which helped identify and track the suspects to Pilibhit.
The terrorists had been planning further violence, and their neutralization marks a significant success for the joint efforts of the Punjab and Uttar Pradesh police. Following the encounter, the identities of the terrorists were confirmed, with their personal details and the confiscated arms further linking them to the Khalistani movement.
The investigation into their network and operations continues, as the authorities work to uncover further details about the militants’ plans and connections. The encounter not only prevents further potential attacks but also highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region and the dedication of law enforcement to combating such challenges.
Details of the Killed Terrorists:
- Gurvinder Singh (25) – Resident of Mohalla Kalanour, Gurudaspur, Punjab
- Virender Singh (23) – Resident of Village Agwan, Gurudaspur, Punjab
- Jaspreet Singh (18) – Resident of Village Nikka Sur, Gurudaspur, Punjab
Recovered Items:
- Two AK-47 rifles
- Two Glock pistols
- Large quantities of ammunition
- Stolen motorcycle
This operation underscores the vigilance of law enforcement in dealing with terrorist threats and ensuring the safety of citizens in the region.