Bambiha gang shooters arrested after Chandigarh Sector 9 killing, police crack case in 30 hours

In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), along with the Haryana Special Task Force (STF), has arrested two shooters linked to the murder of a property dealer in Chandigarh. The suspects were caught after a brief encounter in Kaithal, less than 30 hours after the crime took place.

The incident had shocked residents as the murder happened in broad daylight in Sector 9, one of the city’s high-security and upscale areas. The quick action by police has been seen as a significant step in tackling organised crime linked to gang rivalries.

The two accused have been identified as Rajan, also known as Piyush Pehalwan, and Pritam Shah. According to police officials, both are associated with the Davinder Bambiha gang and were directly involved in the shooting of property dealer Charanpreet Singh on March 18.

Encounter and arrests

Police said the suspects were tracked down in Kaithal after a coordinated intelligence operation. When security teams tried to intercept them, the accused allegedly opened fire. In response, police retaliated, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire.

Both suspects were injured during the encounter and were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials confirmed that the duo had been under surveillance after being identified through technical inputs and CCTV footage.

During the operation, police recovered multiple weapons from the accused. These included a .30-bore PX-5 pistol, a Chinese-made .30-calibre pistol, and a .32-calibre pistol along with ammunition. One of these weapons is believed to have been used in the Chandigarh murder.

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav stated that the arrested individuals were key members of a gang module operated by fugitive gangster Lucky Patial. He added that the entire network behind the attack was identified and dismantled within a short span of time.

The operation, internally referred to as “Ops Silent Trigger,” was led by AGTF Superintendent of Police Bikramjit Singh Brar. The Haryana STF also played a crucial role in tracking and intercepting the suspects.

Initial investigations have revealed that one of the accused, Piyush Pehalwan, had recently travelled from Malaysia via Nepal to carry out the attack. Police believe he was sent by his handler specifically to execute targeted killings.

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Motive and investigation

The murder is suspected to be linked to gang rivalry and a financial dispute. Police sources indicate that a property deal worth around ₹8 crore may have been the main reason behind the attack.

According to investigators, the victim, Charanpreet Singh, was involved in property dealings in areas like Mohali, Kharar, and Kurali. He had reportedly entered into a high-value agreement but failed to clear pending payments. This led to tensions with individuals allegedly connected to the Bambiha gang.

The gang later claimed responsibility for the killing on social media, accusing the victim of acting as an informer for rival groups. They also linked him to an earlier murder case at the Mohali judicial complex, though these claims are still under investigation.

Police also found that the accused had attempted similar attacks on other targets before successfully carrying out the Chandigarh shooting. This suggests a larger plan involving multiple targets.

The investigation was supported by Chandigarh’s extensive CCTV network. Footage showed the suspects crossing Attawa Chowk in Sector 42 within minutes of the crime. They later abandoned their motorcycle in Mohali, which had a fake registration number, and fled towards Haryana.

This digital trail helped police map their escape route and coordinate with Haryana authorities. Intelligence sharing between states played a key role in locating the suspects quickly.

Officials are now probing the local support system that helped the shooters. This includes individuals who may have provided weapons, fake number plates, or shelter during their escape.

Further details have also raised questions about the victim’s activities. Police are examining allegations that Charanpreet Singh may have been involved in property transactions using forged documents. However, these claims are still being verified.

Around ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 in cash was recovered from the victim’s vehicle after the attack. He had recently purchased a Toyota Fortuner, indicating his involvement in high-value deals.

In conclusion, the swift arrest of the shooters marks a significant success for law enforcement agencies. The joint effort by Punjab and Haryana police not only solved a high-profile murder case but also exposed a larger criminal network.

However, the case also highlights the growing influence of organised gangs and the risks associated with financial disputes and rivalries. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to uncover more details about the network and its operations.

The coming days will be important as police work to identify all those involved and ensure that the entire module is brought to justice.