2 ‘shooters linked to Lawrence gang’ held with 7 pistols in Patiala

Spread the news

Ex-soldier Tajinder Fauji named accused in Bhinda killing; police recover 23 cartridges and probe alleged gang links

Patiala, September 29

The local police have arrested two men allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and recovered seven pistols and 23 live cartridges from them during an operation near Sadhu Bela Road in the Urban Estate police station area, officials said.

The arrested men have been identified as Tajinder Singh, alias Fauji, a dismissed Army soldier, and Rahul, alias Dana. The recovery includes six .32-bore pistols, one .30-bore pistol and 23 cartridges.

According to a press release issued by Patiala SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans, the arrests were made by the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) as part of a campaign against gangsters and illegal arms supply.

The weapons were allegedly procured for a major criminal operation. Investigators are questioning the two men about the source of the arms, their supply network and possible intended targets.

Tajinder Fauji, a resident of Daun Kalan village, was allegedly a soldier with the 152 Sikh Regiment before being dismissed from service. Ten cases, including those related to murder, robbery and offences under the Arms Act, are registered against him at different police stations in Patiala, according to the police.

He was also allegedly the main shooter in the April 2022 killing of kabaddi player Dharminder Bhinda outside Punjabi University. He was released on bail in May 2026, the police said.

Investigators are also examining his alleged links with gang members based abroad and criminal networks operating from jails following his release on bail.

A case has been registered under Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act at Urban Estate police station. The two accused are being produced before a court as the police seek their remand for further questioning.

DIG Kuldeep Singh Chahal, SSP Hans and SP City Mohit Kumar Aggarwal supervised the operation.