Sangrur, Aug. 2 -- In a bizarre incident, a Sangrur man allegedly staged an attack on himself with the help of his brother-in-law and three hired "shooters" to gain police protection and flaunt influence, only for the stunt to backfire and land his accomplices behind the bars.

The mastermind, Milanjot Singh, a preacher and resident of Sherpur, is still on the run, police said.

Sangrur senior superintendent of police (SSP) Sartaj Singh Chahal said on July 29, Milanjot filed a complaint, stating that around 9 pm the previous night, he and his brother-in-law Jaswinder Singh were returning home from Mohali in separate cars.

Meanwhile, a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz car started following them. As they reached home and parked their cars, three unident...