Two men allegedly involved in the shooting of migrant labourers in Moga were apprehended following an exchange of gunfire with police, authorities said on Sunday. The arrests come days after a brazen attack on workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar that sparked alarm over rising anti-migrant violence in the region.

Police identified the two accused as Jobanpreet and Akashdeep, both of whom were intercepted near Ghalkalan village after law enforcement received intelligence about their whereabouts. When signalled to stop, the suspects opened fire at the officers, prompting police to return fire. Jobanpreet sustained a bullet injury in his leg and was taken into custody, while Akashdeep was caught while attempting to flee.

The motorcycle used in the February 10 attack was also recovered, along with two firearms, four empty shells and a live round, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) said. Investigators allege the pair — along with a third, still-at-large accomplice — had fired at a group of migrant workers near Zira Road as they were returning from lunch after work at a local factory. Two labourers were injured in that incident.

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Authorities told reporters that the suspects were acting on instructions from a foreign-based handler with the intent “to disturb peace in Punjab,” though further details are being reviewed as part of the investigation. Two other individuals from Ferozepur district have reportedly been arrested for allegedly sheltering the men.

The original shooting had rattled migrant worker communities and drawn condemnation from political leaders, with footage allegedly released on social media showing two assailants making inflammatory statements against non-local labourers. The situation heightened fears of targeted violence against workers from other states, who form a significant part of the workforce in Punjab’s agriculture and industry sectors.

Punjab police said the investigation is ongoing, and efforts continue to locate the third accused. Officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all residents regardless of origin as the case unfolds.

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