Cornered by cops, chain snatcher kills himself

Being chased by the police after committing two snatchings along with an accomplice in Gurdaspur, a snatcher "shot himself dead" near the busy Jahaaz chowk, police said on Monday. The deceased has been identified as 25-year-old Harpal Singh Billa — a resident of Amritsar.

According to the police, the incident took place when a team headed by Gurdaspur SHO Gurdeep Singh began a chase after Billa and his accomplice Jagroop Singh — a resident of Kathunangal — were fleeing on a motorcycle after committing two chain snatchings on the BSF Road.

As the chase was on, the motorcycle slipped and the accused fell on the road. They, however, recovered fast and started running in opposite directions. Following this, the police party also split in two. While Jagroop was arrested, Billa was cornered by policemen headed by the SHO.

While he was running, Billa reportedly threatened to shoot at the police party. But when police did not relent, he threatened to kill himself. As the chase continued and Billa was cornered, he took out his pistol and shot himself in the temple, police said.

Billa was wanted in number of cases in Gurdaspur and Amritsar, said police. Amritsar Border Range Inspector General R P Mittal said Billa was also wanted in number of cases in Amritsar. "In July, we had arrested one snatcher, Manjit Singh Raja, who named Billa as one of his accomplices," he added.

ALSO READ

'Shootout At Wadala' producer Ekta Kapoor apologises, Valmiki Samaj unperturbed

Theatres in Punjab cancel 'Shootout at Wadala' shows

Rail traffic hit due to protests over Sajjan's acquittal

Family of 1971 POW awaits his return from Pak, fears for his life