Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Punjab Police Advises Plainclothes Travel After ASI Killing
Punjab Police has asked officers to wear plain clothes when travelling between home and work.
They were also told not to show anything that identifies them as police officers.
This advice followed the killing of ASI Harjit Singh in Amritsar.
Police increased security checks after the killing.
One main accused was killed during an encounter on September 19.
Another suspect escaped in the darkness.
Police Commissioner Harmanveer Singh Gill said Pakistan-based handlers may have organized the attack.
He said young people were offered money and involvement in the drug trade.
Police are still investigating the case and checking mobile phones.
Punjab Police told personnel in border districts to avoid wearing uniforms while commuting between home and duty.
The advisory covers personnel under Amritsar Rural, Batala, Gurdaspur and Pathankot police districts.
Personnel were told not to display symbols or items revealing their police identity during personal travel.
ASI Harjit Singh was killed while on duty on September 18, and one accused was killed in an encounter the next day.
Police Commissioner Harmanveer Singh Gill said Pakistan-based handlers were involved and that another suspect escaped.
- Who
- Punjab Police personnel and investigators; ASI Harjit Singh was the officer killed.
- What
- Police issued a security advisory telling personnel to avoid uniforms and identifying items while commuting or travelling privately.
- When
- The advisory followed Harjit Singh's killing on September 18; one accused was killed on September 19.
- Where
- The incident occurred in Amritsar, and the advisory applies to border districts including Amritsar Rural, Batala, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.
- Why
- Police said the measures were intended to protect personnel after the killing and amid concerns about further targeting.
- Killed officer
- Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjit Singh
- Incident date
- September 18
- Encounter date
- September 19
- Advisory area
- Amritsar Rural, Batala, Gurdaspur and Pathankot
- Travel instruction
- Wear plain clothes and avoid displaying police identifiers
- Suspect status
- One main accused was killed; an accomplice escaped
- Police claim
- The attack involved Pakistan-based handlers who allegedly offered money and a share in the illegal drug trade