Faridkot: An accused linked to the notorious Bambiha gang was injured in an exchange of fire with police in Faridkot district during a weapon recovery operation. The individual, identified as Ramjot Singh alias Jot, reportedly tried to escape while in police custody and opened fire on officers. Police retaliated, injuring him in the leg before taking him back into custody.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr. Pragya Jain confirmed the incident and provided details of the case, which is connected to a recent extortion and firing episode in Kotkapura. According to Dr. Jain, members of the Bambiha gang had demanded ₹1 crore from a local resident in July. When the extortion demand went unmet, shots were fired outside the victim’s home on the night of September 1.
A case was registered at City Police Station Kotkapura, and a thorough investigation was launched. Acting on intelligence and technical surveillance, police apprehended two key suspects—Sandeep Singh alias Lovely and Ramjot Singh alias Jot—from Moga on September 7.
During interrogation, the accused disclosed that the crime was orchestrated under the direction of jailed gangsters Simma Bahibal and Jass Bahibal. Malkit Singh, another gang associate already lodged in Faridkot jail, was identified as the supplier of the firearm used in the incident. He was brought out on a production warrant for questioning.
While in police remand, Ramjot admitted to hiding the .32 bore pistol used in the firing along Dhillon-Sivian Road. However, during the recovery operation, he attempted to flee and opened fire on the accompanying police team. In the brief exchange, Ramjot sustained a bullet wound to the leg and was overpowered.
Police recovered the pistol and live cartridges from the scene. Authorities revealed that Ramjot is already facing charges in three serious cases, including those under the NDPS Act and Arms Act. Malkit Singh has five previous criminal cases against him, while Sandeep Singh is also named in at least one FIR.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have stated that further arrests and disclosures are likely as the network’s operations are unraveled.