A wanted gangster, Raja Singh alias Billa, was killed in an encounter with the Amritsar rural police early on Monday morning. His alleged associate, Manpreet Singh, was later arrested from Khilchian village under Beas police station limits.
The encounter took place in the Rayya area after police received a tip-off about the movement of the suspects. Officers from the Border Range and district rural police had been tracking the two for several days.
A Trail of Violence
According to DIG Border Range Sandeep Goel and SSP Amritsar Rural Suhail Qasim Mir, the duo had been linked to several violent cases across the region. The most recent was the November 16 murder of grocery shop owner Manjit Singh, a killing that had sparked public outrage and put pressure on police to act swiftly.
Investigators confirmed that Raja Singh was also facing three separate criminal cases in Tarn Taran. Extortion threats, firing incidents and intimidation of traders were part of his growing crime sheet.
How the Encounter Unfolded
Police teams had set up checkpoints in and around Rayya through the night. At around dawn, officers spotted two men on a motorcycle approaching one of the barricades. When signalled to stop, they attempted to speed away.
In the rush, the motorcycle skidded and both men fell. Moments later, gunfire broke out.
Witnesses and officers at the scene said Raja Singh fired first, attempting to escape while shooting at the police team. One round hit ASI Shanker in the shoulder, leaving him injured.
Police retaliated almost immediately. Raja Singh was struck during the exchange and collapsed. He was rushed to Baba Bakala Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Aftermath and Arrest
While Raja fell during the encounter, his accomplice fled. Police launched a search operation and later detained Manpreet Singh from a nearby village. Sources within law enforcement say more arrests could follow as investigators map the gang’s network and communications.
Recovered from the spot were a weapon, live ammunition and the motorcycle used during the crime.
Police Response
DIG Goel, speaking at the encounter site, said the operation was carried out strictly “in self-defence.”
“These men had turned crime into a profession. They were armed, aggressive and dangerous. The encounter was the result of their refusal to surrender,” he said.
SSP Suhail Qasim Mir added that the case remains open as police continue to verify forensic evidence and statements.
Community Relief and Ongoing Concerns
Locals in parts of Amritsar and Tarn Taran had reportedly been living under fear due to extortion calls and firing incidents linked to the group. Monday’s encounter has brought some sense of relief — but officers say the investigation isn’t over.
Security has been tightened in nearby towns to prevent any retaliation from gang members.