Abohar Firing Case Cracked, One Shooter Held After Gunfight With Police

Police on Monday claimed to have cracked the Sant Nagar firing case in Abohar with the arrest of an alleged shooter, who sustained a bullet injury in his right leg during an exchange of fire with police.

The accused, identified as Gautam Dhatarwal, a resident of Lalgarh in neighbouring Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan, was arrested after the police intercepted three motorcycle-borne youths near Killianwali village.

Fazilka Senior Superintendent of Police Gagan Ajit Singh said several teams were formed to trace the suspects after 28-year-old Ajay Kumar was seriously injured in a broad-daylight firing in Sant Nagar on Sunday.

According to police, the suspects were signalled to stop at a naka but allegedly tried to flee. During the ensuing chase, one of them allegedly opened fire at the police party, prompting the police to retaliate.

Dhatarwal was injured in the exchange of fire, while his two alleged accomplices escaped under the cover of darkness, police said.

He was initially admitted to the Civil Hospital in Abohar and later shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot for further treatment.

Police identified the other accused in Sunday’s firing as Sagar Nepali of Patel Nagar, Abohar, and Vishal Pachar alias Boxer, besides another unidentified person.

A case has been registered at City Police Station-I, Abohar, under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Arms Act in connection with the firing on Ajay Kumar.

In connection with the subsequent exchange of fire with police, Dhatarwal, Sagar Nepali and another unidentified person have also been booked under relevant provisions of law, police said.

The investigation is underway to ascertain the motive behind the firing and trace the remaining suspects, police said.