Jalandhar: An Excise Department team allegedly came under fire while conducting a raid against illegal liquor operations in Jalandhar’s Bhargav Camp area on Tuesday. No injuries were reported, but the incident triggered panic in the locality.
According to officials, the excise team had reached the area following a tip-off about the alleged sale and supply of illicit liquor. While carrying out the inspection, unidentified persons allegedly opened fire, forcing the officials to flee the spot to save themselves.
Local residents reported that the sudden gunfire caused panic, with shopkeepers pulling down shutters and people rushing indoors.
Police were informed immediately after the incident, following which a heavy police force reached the spot. Officers recovered a spent cartridge case from the scene and launched a search operation to trace those responsible.
The alleged main suspect has been identified as a local resident known as “DC”. Police have not officially confirmed the allegations regarding his political links.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Atish Bhatia said the police received information about the firing through the control room and immediately rushed to the scene.
He said preliminary investigation indicates that the Excise Department team had gone to conduct a raid at the residence of a suspected liquor or narcotics smuggler, where a confrontation broke out and gunfire followed.
The ACP said it is not yet clear who fired the shot. Police are examining CCTV footage from the area and collecting other evidence to identify those involved.
He added that legal action will be taken against the accused once the investigation establishes responsibility for the firing.
