India, Nov. 20 -- A targeted killing plot by two gangsters linked to Pakistan-based ISI handlers was foiled in Amritsar on Thursday, commissioner of police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said. While one of the gangsters, Harjinder Singh, was killed in the police encounter, a search was on for his absconding accomplice.

"After receiving information about the targeted killing plot, a case was registered under Section 25(8) of the Arms Act at Chheharta police station in Amritsar on Wednesday. Acting on a tip-off, a police team set up a checkpoint. When intercepted, the motorcycle-borne accused opened fire and the police retaliated in self-defence," Bhullar said.

Harjinder was injured in the firing and rushed to a local hospital, where he died. His...