A 24-year-old Kabaddi player, Tejpal Singh, was shot dead in Jagraon on Friday afternoon, sending shockwaves through Punjab’s sports community. The incident took place near Dr Hari Singh Hans Maternity Hospital, not far from the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ludhiana Rural.
According to SSP Ankur Gupta, Tejpal Singh, a resident of Gidderwindi village, had come to Jagraon for personal work. Around 3:30 pm, he and his brother were suddenly attacked by four men who cornered them on the street. Before firing the fatal shot, the assailants reportedly brutally beat up Tejpal and his brother.
During the scuffle, one of the attackers pulled out a gun and shot Tejpal in the chest, killing him on the spot. His brother managed to escape with injuries, while the attackers fled in a white Maruti Swift car.
SSP Gupta confirmed that four suspects have been identified, including two brothers — Kala and Honey, both residents of Rumi village. The group allegedly had a long-standing rivalry with Tejpal Singh, and the altercation appears to have stemmed from this old enmity.
“The murder does not appear to be pre-planned. It seems to have resulted from a sudden confrontation that spiraled out of control,” SSP Gupta said. The police have registered a case of murder and launched a manhunt to apprehend the accused. Authorities are also investigating whether the weapon used was licensed or illegal.
Tejpal Singh was regarded as a promising Kabaddi player known in local sports circles for his dedication and athletic skill. His untimely death has left his village and the sports community in deep mourning. Locals gathered outside the police station demanding quick justice and stronger measures against such acts of violence.
Police teams are now reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas to trace the movements of the suspects and their vehicle. Additional forces have been deployed in Jagraon to maintain law and order and prevent any unrest in the aftermath of the killing.
Tejpal Singh’s murder once again highlights the growing issue of personal vendettas and street violence in Punjab. While the investigation continues, authorities have vowed to bring all the accused to justice and ensure such tragedies do not repeat.