Punjab Police Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjit Singh was shot and killed early on Friday morning near the Bhagtanwala grain market in Amritsar, in what is being investigated as a targeted attack. The incident occurred while Singh was on duty at around 8 am. Singh, in his early 50s and a resident of Tarn Taran district, was stationed at the Gate Hakima police station. Eyewitnesses claim the attackers, who were allegedly riding motorcycles, opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.

This incident marks the fourth attack on police personnel in Punjab this year, raising concerns among law enforcement agencies. Preliminary investigations indicate that the assailants might have followed Singh before carrying out the shooting. Police teams are currently reviewing CCTV footage and analysing technical data, including mobile-phone records, to trace the attackers’ movements.

A .30-bore shell was recovered at the crime scene, and forensic examinations along with post-mortem investigations are expected to shed light on further details regarding the incident.

Pattern of Attacks on Police Personnel

The attack on Harjit Singh has heightened existing fears regarding a pattern of targeted shootings aimed at police in Punjab, particularly in regions close to the Amritsar border. Lower- and middle-ranking police officials have become prime targets due to their predictable routines, making it easier for assailants to execute hit-and-run attacks. Most recent incidents have involved assailants arriving on motorcycles, quickly executing the attack, and disappearing.

This escalation follows a recent incident on September 11, when ASI Jaswant Singh was also targeted in the Ajnala region. Gunmen on motorcycles opened fire as he was returning home, with a bullet narrowly missing his head. Luckily, he reached Ajnala police station and was later deemed to be out of danger. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH) took responsibility for that attack, raising questions about its affiliations with local gangs.

Authorities are considering whether the same criminal network was involved in Singh’s murder. Investigations are underway to ascertain links with gangster Shahzad Bhatti’s group, which was banned by the Home Ministry under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act on September 16.

Concerns Over Arms Trafficking and Security Measures

The evolving situation has led to heightened scrutiny of methods used to smuggle weapons and drugs into Punjab. Drones allegedly carrying arms have reportedly crossed into the Amritsar sector, posing a significant threat to the region’s security. A senior official noted that nearly 40 drones were tracked in a span of three days, though only three were intercepted, carrying Glock pistols and .30-bore weapons.

Recent operations by the Punjab Police have led to the seizure of various firearms, including AK-47 rifles, foreign-made weapons, and narcotics, indicating an ongoing influx of illegal arms. Between September 3 and 16, police reported significant recoveries across Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot.

In response to the increasing threat, Punjab Police have enhanced their border surveillance capabilities. Currently, they operate nine anti-drone systems, including three Baaj Akh units in strategic locations. Furthermore, 52 Drone Response Teams, consisting of 147 personnel, are collaborating with the Border Security Force (BSF) to tackle this challenge. However, security officials have noted that rapidly advancing drone technology and the inefficacy of fixed checkpoints continue to pose significant challenges in maintaining security along the 553-km border with Pakistan.

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