A night of devotion during Shivratri turned into heartbreak for a family in Mohali after a 27-year-old man lost his life following a violent stabbing outside a temple in Phase 11.
Gursev Singh Bhangu, also known as Shagan Bhangu, succumbed to his injuries during treatment at Fortis Hospital Mohali on Monday. What began as a late-night visit to offer prayers ended in tragedy, sparking both a murder investigation and allegations of medical negligence.
According to police, the incident took place around 1:30 am on the night of February 13/14 near Laxmi Narayan Temple in Sector 65. Gursev had just finished offering prayers and was heading home when he noticed a group of migrant youths allegedly fighting among themselves outside the temple premises.
When he intervened and asked them to clear the way, an argument reportedly broke out. Within moments, one of the assailants pulled out a sharp weapon, described as a kirch, and stabbed him in the chest and abdomen. CCTV footage from the area reportedly shows around 15 to 20 individuals fleeing the scene immediately after the attack.
Gursev was rushed in critical condition to the hospital. Doctors attempted to save him, but he died during treatment on Monday. His death triggered outrage among family members, who staged a protest outside the hospital. They alleged that treatment was delayed by nearly two hours and claimed that the hospital later issued a bill of ₹12 lakh.
The grieving family refused to allow the postmortem examination until the attackers are arrested and accountability is ensured. Security outside the hospital was already heightened as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was admitted there at the time.
Police have registered a case against unknown persons under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on a complaint filed by Sunpreet Singh. Initially booked as an attempt to murder, the case was converted to murder after Gursev’s death.
Senior Superintendent of Police Harmandeep Singh Hans reached the hospital to meet the family and assured them that strict action would be taken. Police have reportedly rounded up five suspects, identified key accused individuals, and seized a motorcycle believed to be linked to the crime. Officials confirmed that a board-monitored postmortem will determine the exact cause of death. If medical negligence is found, authorities said further legal action would follow.
Originally from Tohana in Haryana, Gursev was living with his aunt in Phase 11, Mohali. He ran an immigration consultancy firm named Elysian Consultancy and was the only son of his parents. Friends and relatives described him as ambitious and hardworking, a young entrepreneur building his future.
The shocking incident has once again raised questions about public safety during late-night religious gatherings in Mohali. Residents have called for stronger police patrolling and better surveillance in residential sectors, especially during festivals.
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As the investigation continues, the focus remains on identifying and arresting the main accused. For Gursev’s family, however, justice now carries two demands — punishment for those who attacked him and answers regarding the medical treatment he received in his final hours.