Punjab Newsline | Jalandhar
A man accused in an attempt-to-murder case was killed after being shot during a late-night police operation in Punjab's Jalandhar district, with police and the victim's family giving conflicting versions of the incident.
The deceased has been identified as Lovepreet alias Lavi, a resident of Mehatpur. According to police, a team led by Mehatpur SHO Aman Saini reached Bangiwal village after receiving information that the accused had returned home.
Police said they asked Lovepreet to surrender, but a large crowd gathered at the spot, leading to a heated confrontation between officers, the accused's family members and local residents. Officials claimed that gunfire was allegedly opened from the crowd's side, prompting the police to fire in self-defence.
According to the police version, two rounds were fired in response, and one bullet struck Lovepreet in the leg. He was immediately shifted to Nakodar Civil Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
However, the deceased's family has disputed the police account, alleging that Lovepreet was inside the bathroom when officers fired from behind. They claimed two bullets hit the upper part of his thigh, resulting in his death.
Police further stated that the crowd also engaged in a scuffle with officers before the firing took place. Meanwhile, people present at the scene reportedly recorded videos of the incident, which could become crucial in the investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the firing remain disputed, with police and the victim's family presenting sharply different accounts of the incident.
