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The Punjab Police on Wednesday, 20 July, gunned down two gangsters allegedly involved in the murder of Punjab singer Sidhu Moose Wala. The two were killed in an encounter between the police and the gangsters in Amritsar's Bhakna village.
The gangsters involved were Manpreet 'Manu' Kussa and Jagroop Roopa, whom the Punjab Police had identified through CCTV footage of the killing of Moose Wala.
While both Roopa and Kussa were killed in the encounter, at least three police officers have been injured in the firing, and have been taken to the hospital.
The cameraperson of a news channel is also said to have been shot in his right leg during the crossfire, as per NDTV.
Accused Part of Gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria's Gang
Roopa and Kussa were both from Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang. Jaggu operates in Majha region of Punjab and is part of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's syndicate. According to the police, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was the "mastermind" behind Moose Wala's killing.
Gangsters Manpreet Mannu (left) and Jagrup Roopa involved in the encounter.
(Photo: The Quint)
The area had been cordoned off and all residents of the locality were asked to remain indoors.
"Heavy exchange of fire took place today. Two gangsters involved in the Sidhu Moose Wala case, namely Jagroop Singh Roopa and Manpreet Singh were killed. We have recovered an AK47 (rifle) and a pistol. Three police officials have also suffered minor injuries," Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
He also said that the police was keeping track of the two accused as part of their investigation in the Moose Wala murder case, adding that a forensic team was currently on the spot.
Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, also known as Sidhu Moosewala, was shot dead in Punjab's Mansa district on 29 May.
The encounter comes just days after the newly-appointed Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on 14 July met Moose Wala's family in Mansa district and assured them of a fair and speedy investigation into his murder case to bring the culprits to justice.
The singer was allegedly murdered in retaliation to youth Akali leader Vicky Middukhera's killing last year.
(With inputs from ANI and NDTV.)
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