A tense and dramatic morning unfolded in Gurdaspur on Wednesday after an ex-serviceman threatened to open fire in a densely populated area following the alleged murder of his wife and mother-in-law. The incident sent shockwaves across the district as police mobilized an extensive force to prevent further bloodshed.
Double Murder Sparks Massive Police Operation
According to officials, Gurpreet Singh—an employee of Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO) and an ex-armyman—allegedly shot dead his wife and mother-in-law late Tuesday night at Khuthi village in Dorangla block. Police said he used an AK-47 rifle stolen while on jail security duty.
Early Wednesday, intelligence inputs alerted police that Gurpreet had reached the Improvement Trust (IT) Colony No. 7 and was prepared to “go on a shooting spree.” SSP Gurdaspur, Aditya, immediately swung into action.
Within 30 minutes, nearly 200 armed personnel had surrounded the residential block. Officers, all wearing bulletproof vests, were strategically deployed across the colony to block every possible escape route.
Standoff Begins as Accused Refuses to Surrender
Negotiations began shortly after the police located Gurpreet hiding inside a flat staircase. SSP Aditya attempted to pacify him and assured that he would not be harmed if he surrendered peacefully.
Initially, the accused refused to cooperate. The situation grew tense as officers privately discussed their next course of action. Suddenly, a gunshot echoed through the colony, momentarily sending panic among the police. Many believed Gurpreet had killed himself.
However, it was later discovered that the gunshot was accidentally fired by a police officer, prompting a sharp rebuke from the SSP.
A Sudden Turn: Ex-Army Man Shoots Himself
A second negotiation attempt was made, but Gurpreet became increasingly agitated. “I will fire… you have come to arrest me,” he reportedly told the officers.
Moments later, another gunshot rang out—this time from the accused’s rifle. Police rushed inside and found Gurpreet wounded, having shot himself.
He was immediately taken into custody and rushed for medical attention.
Police Probe Motive Behind Killings
Authorities are now investigating what led Gurpreet Singh to kill his wife and mother-in-law before threatening further violence. The motive remains unclear, and officials say a detailed probe is underway to understand the sequence of events.
The incident has raised serious concerns about weapon access and mental health within the ex-servicemen community. Police continue to examine all angles, including family disputes and psychological distress, to determine what triggered this tragic chain of events.