Suspects arrested after Swatantra Nagar killing; weapon sent for forensic checks
Ludhiana, Punjab Police arrested two suspects believed to be involved in the broad‑daylight murder of a local property dealer on 7 August, officials said on Tuesday. The arrests were made in a joint operation by the Anti‑Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav confirmed the custody of the two men and said the raiding teams recovered a 9mm Glock pistol and one live cartridge. The weapon has been sent for forensic examination to establish whether it was used in the attack in Swatantra Nagar, where the victim sustained multiple critical injuries and later died.
"Officers seized a 9mm Glock pistol alongside one live cartridge during the raid," the DGP said.
The detained were identified as Manjit Singh, alias Bobby, and Mohit Kumar, both residents of Chanderlok Colony in Ludhiana. Police said Manjit Singh is the prime accused and has a criminal record that includes an attempted murder charge and cases under the NDPS Act.
How the operation unfolded
Additional Director General of Police (AGTF) Promod Ban said the breakthrough came after human intelligence located the duo. AGTF’s technical cell then tracked their movements in real time, allowing an AGTF unit led by Inspector Vikramjeet Singh to coordinate with the local Commissionerate and arrest the suspects in the Tibba area without any reported resistance.
Police described the incident on 7 August as a calculated ambush. According to preliminary findings, a group of assailants armed with firearms and sharp weapons carried out the assault in the Swatantra Nagar locality. The victim, identified as Harjinder Singh, suffered multiple injuries at the scene and succumbed to them.
Manhunt continues for other accused
Ludhiana Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma said investigators have identified additional persons believed to have been involved in the attack. Multiple search teams have been deployed across the city to apprehend other suspects and gather further evidence.
- Arrestees: Manjit Singh (alias Bobby) and Mohit Kumar
- Seizures: 9mm Glock pistol and one live cartridge
- Victim: Harjinder Singh (attacked on 7 August in Swatantra Nagar)
- Investigating units: AGTF technical cell, Ludhiana Commissionerate Police
Local context and implications
The arrest underscores the city police’s ongoing drive to dismantle organised groups involved in violent crime. Swatantra Nagar, a busy residential and commercial neighbourhood, was shaken by the daylight attack, raising concerns among residents about targeted violence. Recovery of a serviceable firearm and a live round will be central to forensic links between the suspects and the homicide; the outcome of ballistic and other technical analyses will shape further charges.
Authorities have indicated that the probe will extend to any networks or enablers operating across Ludhiana. While the two men remain in custody, the deployment of search teams suggests police anticipate more arrests. In the coming days, investigators are expected to file charges based on forensic results, witness statements and any recovered material evidence.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of incident | 7 August |
| Location | Swatantra Nagar, Ludhiana |
| Arrested | Manjit Singh (alias Bobby), Mohit Kumar |
| Seized | 9mm Glock pistol, one live cartridge |
Police have appealed to citizens who may have information or CCTV footage from the Swatantra Nagar area on the day of the attack to come forward. The city remains on alert as investigations continue to establish the full sequence of events and the identities of all involved.
Further legal proceedings will follow once the forensic tests and case filings progress in the Ludhiana court system.
