ISI-Backed Conspiracy Behind Gurdaspur Cops’ Murders; One Suspect Shot Dead, Another Arrested

Last Updated:February 26, 2026, 09:46 IST

Punjab Police found that they were in contact with Pakistan-based and ISI-backed handlers and had been assigned the task of killing police personnel for Rs 20,000.

Punjab Police on Wednesday said that the killing of two policemen in Gurdaspur was part of a plot backed by ISI-linked handlers based in Pakistan. One of the three accused was shot dead in a police encounter, another has been arrested, and a third suspect remains absconding, officials said.

A 19-year-old youth accused of killing a Punjab Police assistant sub-inspector and a home guard jawan was shot dead in an early morning police encounter near Puranashala village. The spot is about 8 km from Gurdaspur on the Gurdaspur-Mukerian road close to Tibri cantonment.

The deceased, Ranjit Singh, was from Adhian village near the border. Another accused, Dilawar Singh (19) from Ali Nangal village, has been arrested. The third accused, Inderjit Singh (21), also from Adhian, is still absconding.

Double murder at India-Pak border checkpost

On February 22, assistant sub-inspector Gurnam Singh and home guard jawan Ashok Kumar were found shot dead inside a police checkpost in Adhian village, just 2 km from the International Border. The killings led to heightened security across the border district.

How the encounter unfolded?

Deputy inspector general of police (border range) Sandeep Goel said Ranjit and Dilawar were arrested during the investigation. Police found that they were in contact with Pakistan-based and ISI-backed handlers and had been assigned the task of killing Punjab Police personnel. They had also conducted a recce before carrying out the attack, he said.

According to Goel, Ranjit revealed that he had hidden the weapon used in the crime in an area under Behrampur police station. While police were taking him to recover the weapon, their vehicle overturned near Galrhi village due to fog. Ranjit allegedly escaped from custody.

A red alert was issued in the area. Around 3 a.m., a police team signalled a motorcycle to stop near Purana Shala. The rider tried to speed away and opened fire. Police returned fire, injuring him. He was later identified as Ranjit Singh and taken to a civil hospital, where he died.

CIA in-charge inspector Gurmeet Singh was injured in the exchange of fire and is receiving treatment. Another police officer escaped injury because he was wearing a bulletproof jacket.

Money and alleged handlers

Police said the murder plan was first made by Ranjit Singh and Inderjit Singh. Dilawar Singh later joined them and allegedly provided his motorcycle for the crime.

Officials stated that the killings were carried out for money. Dilawar was allegedly promised Rs 20,000 but received only Rs 3,000. The overall deal with Pakistan-based handlers was said to be worth several lakhs of rupees.

The DIG said the case was solved within 72 hours through a joint effort by counter intelligence Punjab and Gurdaspur police, with technical surveillance playing a key role.

Police teams are searching for Inderjit Singh, who is already facing three cases under the NDPS Act.

When asked about alleged claims of responsibility by Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti, Goel said the matter is being verified.

Family questions encounter

Meanwhile, Ranjit Singh’s family has alleged that the encounter was fake.

His mother, Sukhwinder Kaur, said police came to their house on Tuesday evening, searched the premises and took him away for questioning. She said the family learned about his death the next morning through media reports.

Ranjit was a BA student at a college in Gurdaspur. His father works in Saudi Arabia, and relatives said he was the only son in the family.

Call for CBI probe

Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia criticised the police action and demanded an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation to ensure fairness and accountability.

Police have not issued a detailed reply to the allegations made by the family and opposition leaders.

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