ASI Jaswant Singh Shooting Case: 19-Year-Old Accused Killed During Police Operation

A man accused of shooting Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Jaswant Singh was killed in a police encounter near Kandowali village under the Jhander police station area, according to Punjab Police.
Police identified the deceased as Karnbir Singh alias Karmveer, who was allegedly involved in the firing incident on ASI Jaswant Singh. Authorities said the accused had escaped from police custody a few days ago and was allegedly moving around the area with the intention of committing another crime.
According to information provided by the police, officers received a tip-off about Karnbir Singh's presence near Kandowali village. A police team subsequently launched a cordon-and-search operation to apprehend him. Police alleged that when personnel attempted to stop him, he opened fire on the police party, injuring one officer.
Officials said the police responded with retaliatory firing, during which the accused sustained serious gunshot injuries. He was later reported dead.
Following the incident, police secured the area and began further investigation into the encounter and the accused's alleged criminal activities.
Accused Was Wanted in ASI Shooting Case
Police said Karnbir Singh was 19 years old and was wanted in connection with the shooting of ASI Jaswant Singh.
Border Range Inspector General of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said police had received information that Karnbir Singh, a resident of Jhanjoti village under the Rajasanasi police station area, was moving within the region and allegedly planning another criminal act.
According to police, the accused was spotted arriving on a motorcycle and was signalled to stop. However, he allegedly opened fire on the police team. In response, police fired five rounds, two of which reportedly struck Karnbir Singh in the leg and chest.
He was taken to the Civil Hospital in Ajnala, where he later died during treatment, police said.
Previous Arrest and Custody Escape
Police stated that Karnbir Singh had earlier been arrested in a case registered at Rajasanasi police station related to a firing incident involving ASI Jaswant Singh near Bhalla village sugar mill.
Authorities further claimed that he had escaped from police custody while being taken for the recovery of weapons in the Majitha area. A separate FIR had been registered at Majitha police station in connection with that escape.
Police also said Karnbir Singh had been named in an FIR registered at Gharinda police station in 2025. At that time, he was presented as a juvenile and was later granted bail.
Weapons Recovered
According to police, a Glock 9mm pistol, a .30 bore pistol and a motorcycle were recovered from the spot.
IG Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said further investigation is underway to establish the complete sequence of events and determine whether the accused was involved in any other criminal activities.