Jalandhar, November 4, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
In a major breakthrough, the Jalandhar Rural Police have arrested a key associate of Canada-based gangster Amritpal Singh Bath, who was wanted in connection with the January 2024 murder of AAP leader Sonu Cheema from Patti.
The arrested accused has been identified as Jagdeep Singh Gill, also known as Tholu resident of Tarn Taran district.
Speaking to the press media, the senior superintendent of police Jalandhar Rural Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said the accused was apprehended following a tip-off while traveling from SBS Nagar to Phillaur en route to Tarn Taran. A police team led by Phillaur SHO Inspector Sukhdev Singh, under the supervision of DSP Sarwan Singh Bal, intercepted the accused at a check post near Phillaur.
The accused was already wanted in FIR No. 04, dated February 14, 2024, registered at Jhabal police station in Tarn Taran under Sections 302 (murder), 34 (common intention), 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC and Section 25 of the Arms Act.
A .32 bore pistol and a car were recovered from his possession, leading to registration of a fresh case under the Arms Act. “Following the recovery of the illegal weapon, we have registered FIR No. 295 under Section 25(1)(a) of the Arms Act at Phillaur police station,” SSP Khakh said.
During interrogation, the accused revealed that he had acted on direct instructions from Bath, who is currently based in Canada. After executing the crime, Gill followed an elaborate escape plan, first fleeing to Thailand, then moving to Dubai, before entering Nepal. He then stayed in Uttar Pradesh for some time before taking shelter at his in-laws’ house in Ambala, where he was finally traced by the police.
The accused helped transport two shooters to the site where Cheema was murdered and Bath personally guided his escape plan after the crime, said SSP Khakh.
The police are now focusing on identifying the main shooters and other accomplices involved in the crime. Investigators are also probing the network that aided Gill’s escape and tracking the money trall.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy against organised crime. More arrests are likely in the coming days,” said SSP Khakh. The accused will be produced in court where the police will seek his remand for further investigation.
Background Box
The Case So Far
AAP leader Sonu Cheema was murdered in January 2024
Canada-based Amritpal Bath identified as key conspirator
Accused Jagdeep Singh fled to multiple countries before arrest
Investigation reveals international criminal network involvement
