A police officer and an alleged gangster died in a gunfight on the premises of a government medical college in Jammu’s Kathua on Tuesday night, sparking concern that Punjab-like gangsterism was spreading in Jammu.

Police said they gave chase to a group of alleged gangsters driving a car on Tuesday night after which they tried to take refuge in the Kathua Medical College.

Fearing arrest after being encircled by the police, one of them opened fire at the cops, injuring on-probation sub-inspector Deepak Sharma, injuring him critically in his head.

The police returned fire killing Vasudev, the purported gang leader.

The injured police officer was taken to Amandeep Hospital in Punjab’s Pathankot for specialised treatment but he succumbed to his wounds early Wednesday. Another special police officer has been injured.

Director-general of police (DGP) R.S. Swain on Wednesday announced a “new battle” against narcotism and gangsterism in Jammu. “We are aware that these men are involved in illegal land deals, narcotics and liquor sales to create a crime syndicate on the lines of Punjab. It is the beginning of a new battle for us. We shall go after them, and as they say in English, go hammer and tongs,” he said.