A dramatic 15-minute gunfight between Punjab Police and kidnappers ended with the rescue of a seven-year-old Bhavkirat Singh and the death of the main accused in a police encounter. The operation, personally monitored by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, showcased the Punjab Police's swift action in tackling heinous crimes.
Bhavkirat was abducted on Wednesday evening from outside his house in Seehan Daud village, Ludhiana, while playing in the courtyard. Two masked men on a motorcycle grabbed him and sped away, triggering panic in the village. His family, led by his grandfather Gurjunt Singh, immediately began a frantic chase but lost track of the abductors after about eight kilometers.
As news of the abduction reached authorities, a massive police operation was launched across three districts. Intelligence teams worked overnight, and by 2 am, Punjab Police had tracked down two kidnappers. However, the child was still missing, raising fears about his safety. Under intense interrogation, the detained suspects revealed that their gang leader, Jaspreet Singh, 23, was holding the boy hostage and had planned to demand a Rs one crore ransom — or worse, harm the child if they were caught.
Acting on leads, Punjab Police cornered Jaspreet Singh near Patiala on Thursday evening. He was traveling in a Scorpio SUV, trying to evade capture by using CCTV-free back roads. As the police signaled him to stop, he opened fire, sparking a fierce 15-minute encounter.
During the exchange, three police personnel were injured, but they managed to fatally wound Jaspreet and overpower him. Upon securing the vehicle, the police found Bhavkirat curled up in fear beside the seat. The terrified child was rescued unharmed, bringing immense relief to his distraught family. Jaspreet was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
The kidnappers had initially demanded Rs one crore but later settled for Rs 30 lakh after negotiations with the boy’s grandfather. However, instead of giving in, the family alerted the police, which led to a meticulously planned operation that foiled the crime.
Following the success of the operation, DGP Yadav announced a Rs 10 lakh cash reward for the police team that executed the operation.
As soon as Bhavkirat was reunited with his family, emotional scenes unfolded in Seehan Daud village. Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema personally handed over the rescued child to his parents amid cheers and slogans praising Chief Minister Mann, Punjab Police, and the AAP Government.
Mann himself spoke to Bhavkirat’s parents, assuring them that his administration will not tolerate criminals. “There is no place for such elements in Punjab. They will be dealt with an iron fist,” he stated.
Bhavkirat’s mother, Jaspreet Kaur, expressed deep gratitude, saying, “We had lost all hope, but Punjab Police and the government brought back our son within 24 hours. We will never forget this.”
Minister Cheema further warned criminals, stating, “This is Rangla Punjab, and criminals indulging in heinous crimes will face encounters under our government…Punjab Government has given the police a free hand to eliminate crime, ensuring that residents feel secure.”
