Mohali DSP led from the front

Akash Ghai

Tribune News Service

Mohali, July 14

Mohali DSP (City II) Ramandeep Singh led his team from the front during an encounter with three carjackers, leaving one of them dead.

“At one point, Samuel Masih (who later died in the encounter) was standing in front of DSP Ramandeep brandishing a .30-bore pistol. The cop was empty handed as his pistol fell down in a scuffle with him (Masih) a minute before. Then, another cop fired at Masih. In the meantime, the DSP’s subordinate gave him another pistol, which he (DSP) used to fire at Masih,” confirmed Mohali SP (Detective) Harbir Singh Atwal while briefing on the encounter.

DSP Ramandeep Singh, who received bruises on his elbows and knees, said as many as three teams were out in search of the miscreants. “Our team noticed the Verna car parked in front of the dhaba. They (the carjackers) had fixed a fake registration number plate. Still, we recognised the car from its damaged bumper (as told by the victim to the police). Our other parties were a bit far from the location and there was no time to wait for them as we saw the three carjackers coming towards the car. We challenged them and they pulled out pistols,” said DSP Ramandeep Singh. The DSP managed to grab Masih, following which there was a scuffle between the two for a minute or two. The police and the miscreants then exchanged fire. “I was lucky as a timely shot by my colleague towards Masih saved me,” said the DSP.