
Fake encounter, says mother of suspect shot dead by Punjab cops
Jaspreet and Ram Rattan died in what police claimed to be retaliatory fire when the two were taken to the Panj Pir Tibba area of town to recover the weapons "hidden by the shooters". The family claimed that Jaspreet had nothing to do with the killing of the Abohar businessman and he was picked up from home on the intervening night of July 7-8, hours before he was killed in the encounter.
Jaspreet's mother Parvinder Kaur also claimed that he was at home on July 7 (day of the killing).
She told TOI over phone: "I left home at about 6 am on July 7 to work at a dispensary at Mardapur village near Shambhu in Patiala district. Jaspreet was at home at that time and was not feeling well. I got busy after that." She also revealed that Jaspreet was arrested in a case under the Excise Act for peddling 12 bottles, but was out on bail.
Jaspreet's cousin Jagmeet Singh said that the family was sleeping when nearly 20-25 people in half a dozen vehicles descended on their house at about 1-1.20 am on July 8.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua
IC Markets
Tìm hiểu thêm
Undo
They took away Jaspreet with them without answering the queries by the family members.
According to his younger sister, over 2 dozen people swooped down on their house, some even went upstairs, thrashed Jaspreet and asked him to accompany them.
Another relative Fateh Singh said the family had approached several police stations in the area on Tuesday morning to find out Jaspreet's whereabouts, only to hear the same evening that he had been killed an encounter.
The family demanded that the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) investigate the two encounter deaths.
Police officers refused to comment on these allegations on Wednesday. Ferozepur Range DIG Harmanbir Singh Gill had said on Tuesday after the encounter: "The duo began shooting at the cops after they pulled out a gun from its hiding place. Police fired back in self defence, and neutralised both of them in a shootout."
MSID:: 122345935 413 |

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Nine from Gujarat indicted in US for illegal gambling operation
Ahmedabad: In a high-profile federal crackdown in the United States, nine men of Gujarati origin were indicted in a multi-million-dollar illegal gambling operation spread across six Missouri locations. The accused, all Indian nationals originally from Gujarat, allegedly operated skill game arcades as a front to run unlawful electronic gambling businesses, grossing over $9.5 million between 2022 and 2025. The nine people, four from Georgia, two from New York, one each from Washington, Arkansas and Colorado, were charged in a 72-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield on May 14, according to a statement from the US attorney in the western district of Missouri. The superseding indictment replaces an indictment returned against one of them on Dec 10, 2024, and includes additional charges and defendants. The superseding indictment was unsealed and made public following the arrest of several defendants and in advance of certain defendants' arraignments on July 23 and 24, the statement added. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad US attorney Jeff Ray emphasised the broader implications: "Illegal gambling operations affect the citizens of the neighbourhoods and communities where they are located as well as the local economy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cargo Ship Meets Pirates - Watch What the Captain Does Next! Tips and Tricks Undo We worked closely with our law enforcement partners to shut down this criminal conspiracy and bring those responsible to justice." "What began as a local investigation quickly expanded into a large, multi-jurisdictional case resulting in numerous indictments and a significant positive impact across our community," Springfield police chief Paul Williams said. The defendants allegedly ran businesses with names such as Big Win Arcade, Spin Hitters and Vegas City Arcade, masking them as legitimate entertainment centres in cities including Springfield, Joplin and Branson West. "This wasn't some low-level gambling scheme. It was an organised, multi-million-dollar criminal network that operated brazenly and believed it could stay one step ahead of law enforcement," said Mark Zito, special agent in charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Kansas City. The indictment, unsealed just before arraignments on July 23-24, charges all nine with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, operating illegal gambling businesses and conspiracy to launder money. Some are also accused of depositing or transferring over $10,000 in illegal funds in single transactions. "The federal indictment charges all nine defendants with one count each of participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and operating illegal gambling businesses from July 1, 2022, to May 13, 2025. In addition to the conspiracy counts, all nine defendants were charged with at least one count of wire fraud, and eight defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering," the document states. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) led the probe, working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security, Missouri State Patrol and local police departments. Modus operandi According to the indictment, the defendants ran illegal gambling businesses under the guise of internet amusement arcade games, skill game arcades and adult arcades. "Between April 24 and Aug 28, 2023, one of the defendants registered six businesses online with the Missouri Secretary of State: Big Win Arcade, LLC; Big Win Arcade 2023, LLC; Spin Hitters 1, LLC; Spin Hitters, LLC; Vegas City Arcade, LLC; and Vegas Arcade, LLC. The indictment alleges that the defendants then used these businesses to fraudulently apply for business licence applications filed with the cities of Springfield, Joplin, and Branson West, and to obtain utilities contracts, lease agreements and business incorporation documents filed with the State of Missouri," reads the document from the US Attorney's office. The defendants hired local employees to work in their businesses, which operated contests of chance, gambling devices and slot machines in violation of Missouri and federal law. Five of the defendants participated in WhatsApp group chats where they communicated about the operation of the illegal gambling arcades from May 31, 2023, to March 11, 2024. The indictment alleges that the defendants transported the proceeds from the illegal gambling locations to several states to promote the ongoing illegal activity. They hid the proceeds of their gambling ring by depositing them in various personal bank accounts within the US and India. Over $9.5 million in US currency was laundered by this organisation in a little over three years, the document states. What is Operation Take Back America This gambling bust was part of Operation Take Back America, a sweeping DOJ initiative to disrupt transnational criminal organisations. It unifies the resources of the OCDETF, Project 'Safe Neighbourhoods' and immigration enforcement bodies. Aimed at dismantling drug cartels, fraud networks and illegal enterprises, the operation combines aggressive prosecution with intelligence-led policing. "Today's charges reflect the dedication of law enforcement, especially in Springfield, Joplin and across Southwest Missouri — to hold those who violate the law accountable," said FBI special agent in charge Stephen Cyrus. The Gujarat-origin gambling ring was one of the largest arcade-based frauds discovered under this national effort. Details of the case - Suspected illegal immigration status among the nine accused - Fraudulent business licences obtained in Missouri cities - WhatsApp used for communication; cash moved between US and India - Charged with wire fraud, illegal gambling, money laundering, racketeering - Federal case under OCDETF & Operation Take Back America - US attorney's office, FBI, ICE, IRS and local police departments involved in crackdown


Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Pakistan tribal council threatens highway block over girl's murder
ISLAMABAD: A tribal jirga (council of elders) in Pakistan's Tank district has threatened to block a stretch of Indus Highway on July 29 after the killing of a nine-year-old girl sparked public outrage. Convened in Tank's Gul Imam on Saturday, the jirga issued an 11-point charter of demands, warning of a full blockade if authorities fail to respond. Indus Highway (N-55) is a critical national artery that runs along the river, connecting Karachi in Pakistan's south with Peshawar in the north and cutting through multiple provinces. The planned blockade at Pezu will impact trade routes, passenger transport, and military convoys. The protests gained momentum after a viral video showed residents confronting armed security personnel -- an extraordinary act in this militarised stretch of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The footage amplified long-standing anger over arbitrary detentions, raids without warrants, and what locals call collective punishment disguised as counterterrorism. 'Our decision to block the highway remains. If our demands are accepted, we'll reconsider. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tummy Tuck Surgery In Russian Federation Might Be Cheaper Than You Think Tummy Tuck Surgery | Search Ads Undo If not, Pezu will be shut down on July 29,' jirga leader Abdul Qayum Kundi said. Police have registered a case in the girl's death, but authorities have yet to disclose any findings. Locals allege misconduct or negligence by security forces—claims that remain unverified but widely believed within the community. In a bid to defuse tensions, local officials delivered three sheep and (Pak) Rs 2.5 million (around $9,000) to the girl's family -- an act rooted in tribal custom, meant to symbolise remorse and reconciliation. But jirga members view it as a token gesture. 'This is hush money in ceremonial form,' said one elder. The jirga's demands include the release of detainees not proven to have militant ties, an end to forced house searches, and a halt to arrests of suspects' relatives. They also call for the return of confiscated weapons and an end to detentions based on vague accusations of mukhbiri (spying). The jirga's demands echo those of the banned Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), which for years challenged Pakistan's security policies in its tribal belt.


Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Did Epstein introduce Melania to Trump? Biographer makes bold claim; first lady's book says otherwise
Michael Wolff , Melania and Donald Trump (AP file photos) US president Donald Trump 's longtime biographer Michael Wolff has reignited controversy by claiming that Jeffrey Epstein played a key role in introducing Melania Trump to her future husband. Speaking on The Daily Beast podcast, Wolff said Melania was 'very involved' in Epstein's social circle when she was first introduced to Trump in 1998. According to Wolff, the connection was made through Paolo Zampolli, founder of ID Models, who helped Melania move to the US. 'She's introduced by a model agent, both of whom Trump and Epstein are involved with… Epstein knew her well,' Wolff said. He also questioned Melania's ties to what he called a 'culture of models of indeterminate age.' Earlier reports have linked Zampolli to both Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later convicted for her role in Epstein's sex trafficking network. Melania, however, has denied the Epstein angle. She insists she met Trump at the Kit Kat Klub in New York, where she had gone with a friend. In her book Melania, she describes how Trump, already twice divorced, was there with a date but spent the evening talking to her. 'It was a refreshing departure from the usual superficial small talk,' she writes. Despite Trump's efforts to distance himself from Epstein, a photo from 2000 shows Donald and Melania at Mar-a-Lago alongside Epstein and Maxwell. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Option Trading Mastery: Mr. Gopal Shares His Laxman Rekha Strategy For Free TradeWise Learn More Undo Epstein himself once claimed that he introduced the couple. Donald Trump's links to Jeffrey Epstein came to the spotlight after The Wall Street Journal reported that attorney general Pam Bondi told Trump during a May briefing that his name had come up in justice department files connected to Epstein.