Firozpur, Punjab — Two men accused of involvement in extortion were injured and arrested after an exchange of gunfire with a police party during a routine checkpoint operation in the Mallanwala area of Firozpur district on Sunday, officials said.
Checkpoint turned into armed confrontation
Firozpur Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupinder Singh said the incident occurred when a police blockade signalled two persons riding a motorcycle to stop. The riders reportedly attempted to flee and opened fire at the police vehicle, prompting officers to return fire. Both suspects sustained injuries and were subsequently taken to Civil Hospital Firozpur for medical care before being placed under arrest, the SSP said.
"They fired two or three shots at the police vehicle, and the police responded by taking cover behind their vehicle," the SSP said.
Suspects identified; weapons recovered
The two accused have been identified as Harpreet Singh, son of Jitender Singh, a resident of Talwandi Sobha under Sadar Patti police station, and Dilbagh Singh, son of Rajpal Singh, the police statement said. Two pistols allegedly used in the firing were recovered from the suspects and taken into evidence.
According to the SSP, the men are believed to be extortionists who have been linked to several criminal incidents in the region. He said the arrests followed intelligence and local policing efforts to clamp down on organised intimidation and extortion.
Medical status and legal follow-up
Emergency Medical Officer Dr. Rajendra Kumar of Civil Hospital Firozpur said both men — aged 22 and 24 — were brought in with gunshot wounds to their legs and were stable while undergoing treatment.
"There are two young men, aged 22 and 24... They have leg injuries. The patients are stable; treatment is currently underway," the doctor said.
Police said formal charges are being prepared and further investigation is under way to establish the full set of offences and any criminal network the accused may be linked to. The recovered firearms will be forensically examined as part of the probe.
Local policing context
The operation in Mallanwala reflects continuing efforts by district police to intercept suspected criminals during movement and at roadblocks. Checkpoints and mobile blockades are commonly used in rural and semi-urban areas of Punjab to check vehicles and intercept persons with alleged criminal histories.
Firozpur district has in recent years stepped up visible patrolling and surveillance in response to complaints about extortion and armed incidents in certain pockets. Officials say such measures aim to deter criminal groups who allegedly seek protection money or intimidate traders and residents.
- Date of incident: Sunday (as reported by police)
- Place: Mallanwala area, Firozpur district
- Accused: Harpreet Singh (22), Dilbagh Singh (24)
- Recovered items: Two pistols
- Current status: Injured, treated at Civil Hospital Firozpur, arrested; investigation ongoing
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Police officer reporting | SSP Bhupinder Singh |
| Hospital | Civil Hospital Firozpur (Emergency Medical Officer Dr. Rajendra Kumar) |
| Weapons | Two pistols recovered |
| Allegations | Extortion, firing at police, involvement in multiple incidents |
Police have indicated that the injured suspects will face criminal proceedings once they are medically stable and will be produced before the competent court. For residents in border and rural areas of Punjab, officials say continued cooperation with local police and prompt reporting of suspicious movements help in pre-empting violent encounters.
Further details are expected as the Firozpur police complete forensic tests on the recovered firearms and compile witness accounts from the scene.
