A day after firing at a residence in Sheikhupura Mohalla in Jandiala Guru, the Amritsar Rural Police on Friday claimed to have arrested one of the suspects after a brief exchange of fire.

The accused, Lovepreet Singh alias Love, a resident of Jotisar Mohalla, sustained a bullet injury in the leg during the encounter and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Preliminary probe indicate that Lovepreet is involved in several criminal cases. It is learnt that the firing was linked to a dispute between two jail inmates in the Amritsar Central Jail.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Baljit Singh said a police team led by Jandiala Guru SHO Harpal Singh laid a checkpoint near Jania village after receiving a tip-off about the accused’s movement on a motorcycle.

"When signalled to stop, the accused allegedly opened fire on the police team. The police retaliated in self-defence, during which he sustained a bullet injury to his right leg," the DSP said.

Police recovered a .30 bore pistol, a magazine, three live cartridges, and the motorcycle used by the accused.

Baljit Singh said Lovepreet is involved in nine criminal cases registered earlier.

Investigators said the firing incident was linked to a dispute inside Amritsar Central Jail on July 8 between Baljit Singh alias Bulli, son of Santokh Singh, whose house was targeted, and Sawaran Singh alias Kanha, another inmate currently lodged in the jail.

According to the police, Kanha also allegedly sent his associates to attack Bulli’s residence to settle the score.

The accused involved in the firing have been nominated in the case, and further investigation is under way to arrest the remaining suspects and ascertain the full conspiracy behind the attack.