-No Place for Anti-Social Elements in Punjab: DIG Manpreet Singh Sidhu
— One Kidnapper Killed in Police Encounter Near Mandaur; ₹1 Crore Ransom Demanded for Child’s Release
— CM Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav Personally Monitored the Operation to Safely Rescue Bhawkirat Singh: Sidhu
Patiala, March 13:
In a significant achievement, the Punjab Police successfully resolved the abduction case of Bhawkirat Singh, a child from Shehan Daud village near Khanna, within 24 hours. The incident, which occurred on the evening of March 12, saw the safe rescue of the child after a police encounter near Mandaur Kheda on the Nabha Road, where one kidnapper was killed. Two police personnel were also injured during the operation.
Addressing a press conference at the Police Lines in Patiala, DIG Patiala Range Manpreet Singh Sidhu sent a strong message to criminals, stating that Punjab has no place for kidnappers and anti-social elements. He emphasized that the safe rescue of the child, who was abducted for a ransom of ₹1 crore, is a moment of relief for the Punjab government and police. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav personally monitored the operation to ensure the child’s safety.
DIG Sidhu revealed that the Chief Minister and DGP have commended the police team for their efforts, announcing a cash reward of ₹10 lakh and promising promotions for the team members. He highlighted that the Punjab Police, known as one of the most professional forces in the country, has once again demonstrated its capability by solving the abduction case within hours.
The operation was a joint effort by the Khanna, Malerkotla, and Patiala police teams, who worked tirelessly to track down the kidnappers. DIG Sidhu praised the dedication of SSPs from Patiala, Malerkotla, and Khanna, along with their teams, who worked through the night to trace the kidnappers
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Details of the Operation
DIG Sidhu provided a detailed account of the operation, stating that on the evening of March 12, two unidentified motorcycle-borne kidnappers abducted 7-year-old Bhawkirat Singh while he was playing outside his home in Shehan Daud village, located on the Khanna-Malerkotla Road. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₹1 crore from the family.
Acting on the instructions of DGP Gaurav Yadav, specialized technical teams were formed, and a massive search operation was launched. The kidnappers were last seen on the Malerkotla-Khanna road after the abduction.
On the afternoon of March 13, the police received information that the kidnappers were near Mandaur village on the Nabha Road in Patiala district. Teams from Patiala, Malerkotla, and Khanna immediately launched a joint operation. During the encounter, one kidnapper, identified as Jaspreet Singh of Shehan Daud, was killed in retaliatory fire after he shot at the police. Two accomplices, Harpreet Singh and Ravi Bhinder, both residents of Amargarh, were arrested. A 32-bore pistol and the motorcycle used in the crime were recovered from the kidnappers.
Background of the Case
The abduction was reported by Gurjant Singh, a farmer and commission agent from Shehan Daud, who informed the police control room that his grandson, Bhawkirat Singh, a first-grade student, had been kidnapped by two unidentified motorcycle-borne men while he was playing outside his home. The Khanna police promptly registered a case and initiated search operations.
DIG Sidhu acknowledged the crucial role played by CIA Patiala in-charge Inspector Shaminder Singh, Special Branch in-charge Inspector Binny Dhillon, and Inspector Harry Boparai in the successful operation. He also mentioned that injured police personnel, including Constable Rupinder Singh and Home Guards Shivji Giri and Baljinder Singh, were part of the team.
This swift and efficient operation underscores the Punjab Police’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens while sending a clear message to criminals that such acts will not be tolerated in the state.
