Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Amritsar ASI Murder Accused Killed; Pakistan Link Probed
Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjit Singh was shot and killed while working on September 18.
Police later said they found two people who may have been involved.
The two suspects allegedly fired at police when officers tried to stop them.
One suspect was shot and died while being taken to hospital.
The other suspect escaped in the darkness.
A police officer was hit but survived because he was wearing a bulletproof jacket.
Police suspect people in Pakistan may have directed the attack, but this has not been proven.
Investigators are checking phones, CCTV and a short video to learn more.
The main accused in Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjit Singh’s killing was killed in an exchange of fire with police in Amritsar.
A second suspect escaped after allegedly firing at police during a checkpoint and subsequent chase.
Police said the suspects fired four rounds, while officers returned six rounds in self-defence.
A CIA officer survived after being hit in the chest because he was wearing a bulletproof jacket.
Investigators are examining alleged Pakistan-based handler links, CCTV footage, mobile phones and a video recorded at the crime scene.
- Who
- Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjit Singh was killed; police said two suspects were involved, with one killed and one escaping. Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill, also reported as Harmanveer Singh Gill, described the operation.
- What
- The main accused in Harjit Singh’s killing was killed during an alleged exchange of fire with police, while the investigation continued.
- When
- Harjit Singh was killed on September 18; the police encounter occurred later at night during the investigation.
- Where
- The killing and subsequent police operation took place in Amritsar, including a checkpoint identified as the Tarn Taran/Thanda Road naka.
- Why
- Police allege the killing may have been ordered by Pakistan-based handlers who recruit young people through promises of money and involvement in the narcotics trade; the alleged links remain under investigation.
Police Allegations
Investigation Status
Possible Pakistan-based handlers
Police Allegations
Police Commissioner Gill alleged that Pakistan-based operatives lured young people with money and a share in the narcotics trade, then directed them to target police personnel.
Investigation Status
Police said the alleged cross-border links have not yet been established and are being investigated through mobile-phone and other forensic evidence.
What happened during the encounter
Police Allegations
Police said the suspects opened fire first at a checkpoint and again during the chase, causing officers to respond in self-defence.
Investigation Status
The reported sequence is based on the police account, while the surviving suspect’s escape means the investigation is continuing.
Video recorded after the killing
Police Allegations
Police said the suspects returned to the crime scene and recorded a 30–40-second video as proof for their alleged overseas handlers.
Investigation Status
Investigators are examining the video, CCTV footage and phones to verify its purpose and identify any wider network.
- Victim
- Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjit Singh
- Killing date
- September 18
- Encounter location
- Amritsar
- Police account
- Police said the suspects fired four rounds and officers returned six rounds in self-defence.
- Encounter result
- One suspect was fatally wounded and died while being taken to hospital; a second escaped.
- Suspect identification
- The deceased suspect was preliminarily estimated to be 25–28 years old.
- Evidence under review
- A 30–40-second video, CCTV footage, mobile phones and other forensic evidence.
