PHILLAUR: In a major crackdown, Jalandhar Rural Police have arrested 11 people, including notorious criminal Vijay Masih, after a police party was attacked during a raid in village Uchi . The accused, armed with rods and kirpans, tried to resist arrest but were overpowered by the police.
The arrested individuals include eight women and three men. Tania, wife of Vijay Masih; Pasho, wife of Joji Masih; Kombo, wife of Kala; Heena, wife of Saba; Meera, wife of Ravi; Kavita, wife of Shiva; Barkha, wife of Shani; Sonia alias Monika, Joji Masih's daughter; Shani, son of Bhola; and Saba, son of Chaman Lal.
The senior superintendent of police Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh told media that the raid, which was part of a special operation against hardened criminals and drug traffickers, was carried out under the supervision of DSP Phillaur Sarwan Singh Bal, with Inspector Sanjeev Kapoor, SHO of Phillaur Police Station, leading the police team.
The search was conducted out on credible information regarding the wanted accused Vijay Masih's presence at his residence. When police came, they were met with intense resistance from Masih's family and associates, who attacked them with sharp-edged weapons. When confronted, Masih attempted to flee by jumping from the roof, sustaining injuries, while his family members launched an assault on the officers. Four policemen sustained minor injuries during the melee. Despite the incident, police acted immediately and arrested the culprits. The cops confiscated rods and kirpans used in the incident..
A case has been registered under sections 109(attempt to murder ), 132(assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty, ) 121(1)(voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty ), 324(4)(mischief)( , and 191(3)(rioting ) of the BNS, at Phillaur Police Station. The family members of the accused were booked under a separate attempt to murder case
It is noteworthy that Vijay Masih is a habitual offender with 20 cases registered against him, including charges of attempted murder, possession of illegal weapons, illicit liquor trafficking, and numerous NDPS Act violations. Additionally, many residents of this area have a history of violent behaviour, with 5-7 previous cases registered against them for similar offenses.
SSP Khakh issued a harsh warning, adding that any aggression against the police will be dealt with firmly. “Those who challenge the law will face severe consequences, ” he said, reaffirming the police’s commitment to maintaining law and order.