Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The investigation into the murder of Naitik Khandelwal took a dramatic turn on Saturday morning when accused Manmehar Preet Singh allegedly attempted to escape from police custody and opened fire at a police team during a weapon recovery operation in Chandigarh’s Sector 50 forests.
According to the police, Manmehar pushed police personnel, snatched a pistol and fired at the team while attempting to flee. The bullet struck the bulletproof jacket of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Pradeep, preventing a potentially fatal injury.
The police retaliated, and Manmehar sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg. He was subsequently taken to a hospital in Sector 32 for treatment. His brother, Arsh, was also present at the spot during the operation.
Weapon Hidden in Sector 50 Forests
During the investigation, the accused had allegedly disclosed that the weapon used in Naitik Khandelwal’s murder had been hidden in the Sector 50 forests. Acting on this information, a team from the Chandigarh Police’s Operation Cell took both brothers to the location on Saturday morning to recover the weapon.
However, the operation took a violent turn when Manmehar allegedly tried to flee, snatched a pistol and fired at the police personnel. The team responded with gunfire, injuring him in the right leg.
Police are conducting further proceedings at the scene and investigating the circumstances surrounding the firing incident.
Police Probe Roles of Both Brothers
The police are investigating the alleged roles of Manmehar Preet Singh and his brother Arsh in Naitik Khandelwal’s murder. Manmehar’s father is reportedly employed in the Intelligence Department of the Punjab Police.
Investigators are also trying to establish the source of the weapon allegedly used in the murder and determine whether any other individuals were involved in the crime.
Further investigation into the murder case and the weapon recovery incident is underway.
