One held for bus stand firing

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 15

The city police have booked a notorious gangster, Rana Kandowali, among 16 persons who had allegedly fired at a transporter and his son, leaving one person injured, inside the interstate bus terminus here on Tuesday. One of them has been arrested.

The injured has been identified as Makhan Singh, a bus conductor. The bullet hit his leg. His condition is said to be stable.

The arrested suspect has been identified as Vikramjit Singh, alias Vicky, of Pandori Sukha village. According to the police, a dispute over passengers and money was the reason behind the incident.

Besides Vikramjit Singh and Rana Kandowalia, the police have booked Gurkirat Singh, alias Lala, of Bal village, Gursewak Singh, Gurjant Singh, Kirpal Singh, Babby Baljit Singh of Madhipur village, Harpal, Love and Sonu besides six unknown persons. They have been charged with attempt to murder and under the Arms Act.

Complainant Lakhwinder Singh alleged that the accused opened fire over a monetary dispute. The firing led to panic at the bus stand as people ran helter-skelter to save themselves.

Baldev Singh Babbu, secretary, Mini Bus Operators’ Union, alleged that the attack was carried out at the behest of Rana Kandowali, who is currently in jail. He alleged that the accused had been demanding money and the transporters were against it.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) JS Walia said the accused would be arrested soon. He said raids were on and no guilty would be spared for indulging in such activities.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested three persons — Gora Singh of village Bohru, Akashdeep Singh of Chardi Patti village and Balraj Singh of Anand Vihar — for allegedly possessing a country-made weapon. They were arrested at a checkpoint. A .32-bore country made pistol and two bullets have been seized. A case under Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act has been registered against them.