Punjab Police Arrests Gangster Malkit Manu After Fierce Encounter in Moga City
Punjab Police Arrests Malkit Manu After Violent Encounter in Moga
In a significant development in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat organized crime, the Punjab Police, in collaboration with the Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF), successfully apprehended gangster Malkit Singh, also known as Manu, after a brief exchange of gunfire in Moga on March 12. The arrest marks a major breakthrough in Punjab’s mission to curb the influence of criminal gangs operating within the region, following the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Manu: A Key Operative in Deadly Gangs
Malkit Singh, a notorious member of the international crime syndicates led by gangsters Gaurav alias Lucky Patyal and Davinderpal Singh alias Gopi Lahoria, was arrested after a well-coordinated operation by Punjab’s AGTF. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, Manu had an extensive criminal history, with at least seven registered cases against him, including charges of murder, attempted murder, narcotics-related offenses, and violations of the Arms Act.
Yadav revealed that the arrested gangster had been involved in several high-profile crimes in the region. Notably, he was implicated in a fatal attack on February 19, 2025, in Moga’s village Kapura, which resulted in the murder of an individual and left a woman injured. This attack was allegedly carried out at the behest of jailed gangster Dharminder Baji.
Further investigations also revealed Manu’s involvement in a shooting incident at Raja Dhaba in Jagraon on February 26, 2025. The attack, orchestrated by the foreign-based gangsters Lucky Patyal and Gopi Lahoria, raised concerns about the growing influence of international crime syndicates in the region.
A Coordinated Effort Leads to Arrest
The operation to capture Manu was initiated following intelligence gathered through human and technical sources about his whereabouts. Special teams from the AGTF, under the guidance of AIG Gurmeet Chauhan and DSP Bikramjit Brar, were deployed to track down the criminal. The breakthrough came when police discovered Manu was hiding at a rented accommodation near Dosanjh Road in Moga.
Upon the raid, Manu attempted to evade capture by opening fire on the police team. In response, police officers retaliated, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire. During the incident, Manu sustained bullet injuries and was taken into custody. He was immediately rushed to a local hospital before being referred to Baba Farid Medical College in Faridkot for further treatment.
Police seized a .32 caliber pistol and four cartridges from the gangster’s possession. This operation is expected to provide critical evidence that could help unravel the deeper connections within the criminal syndicates operating across Punjab.
Manu’s Links to International Crime Syndicates
ADGP of AGTF, Promod Ban, shared additional details of the operation, confirming that Manu had been tasked by his foreign-based handlers, Lucky Patyal and Gopi Lahoria, to carry out a major crime in the Tricity area (Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula). This revelation underscores the reach of international gangsters operating in Punjab, posing a significant threat to the region’s safety and security.
Police officials are now focused on tracking down Manu’s accomplices, including his partner in crime, Manpreet Singh alias Mani. The investigation aims to uncover more details about the syndicate’s operations and how it has been influencing criminal activities across the state.
Punjab Police’s Continued Efforts to Combat Organized Crime
The arrest of Malkit Manu highlights the Punjab Police’s ongoing commitment to making the state a safe and secure place for its residents. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government has emphasized the importance of dismantling organized crime syndicates and curbing their influence. The latest operation is a part of the broader initiative to ensure public safety and maintain law and order in Punjab.
SSP Moga, Ajay Gandhi, confirmed that a fresh FIR (No. 52, dated March 12, 2025) has been registered against Manu under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act. The case will now be further investigated to uncover any additional criminal links.
A Step Forward in Punjab’s War Against Crime
The success of this operation is a clear indication of the Punjab Police’s resilience and effectiveness in countering organized crime. With the arrest of key gangsters like Malkit Manu, law enforcement agencies are sending a strong message to criminal elements operating in the region.
As investigations continue, police forces across the state remain vigilant, committed to rooting out criminal gangs and ensuring that those involved in illicit activities are brought to justice.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Plans
DGP Gaurav Yadav assured the public that the investigation into Malkit Manu’s activities would be thorough. “We will continue to dismantle these dangerous gangs and ensure that their influence is completely eradicated from Punjab,” he said. The police will also focus on identifying the international connections that facilitate the operations of these gangs, working in close coordination with law enforcement agencies across borders.
The case remains under active investigation, and the Punjab Police is hopeful that further arrests will follow, as they continue their battle against organized crime.