GURDASPUR (Gurpreet Singh): A harrowing sequence of events unfolded in Improvement Trust Colony No. 7 on Wednesday morning as an ex-armyman, armed with a stolen assault rifle, threatened a mass shooting before ultimately taking his own life. The man, identified as Gurpreet Singh, is accused of fatally shooting his wife and mother-in-law the previous night in Khuthi village, Dorangla block.
Authorities were alerted early Wednesday after reports emerged of a man carrying an AK-47 rifle and threatening to open fire in the residential colony. Within half an hour, SSP Aditya mobilised around 200 police personnel, who swiftly cordoned off the area. Officers, including the SSP, were equipped with bulletproof vests and fanned out across the densely populated neighbourhood to prevent any civilian casualties.
Gurpreet, employed by the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO), had reportedly stolen the firearm while on jail duty. PESCO is tasked with providing welfare and employment opportunities for ex-servicemen, including assigning them to security roles in correctional facilities.
Negotiations began shortly after the police located him in a flat. SSP Aditya assured Gurpreet of safe surrender, but the accused initially refused to cooperate. During a lull in the talks, a gunshot rang out, sparking fears that Gurpreet had shot himself. Officers discovered, however, that the shot had been accidentally fired by a police officer, prompting a reprimand from the SSP.
When negotiations resumed, Gurpreet issued threats, stating he would fire if police attempted to apprehend him. Minutes later, a second gunshot was heard. This time, Gurpreet had taken his own life, ending the tense hours-long standoff.
Police are now investigating the motives behind the killings and the circumstances that led Gurpreet to commit such a violent act. Authorities continue to probe whether domestic disputes or other factors contributed to the tragic incident.
Residents of the colony described the morning as chaotic and f
