DHILWAN, MAY 1 — A significant figure in Punjab’s legal proceedings against organized crime was killed Friday morning when unidentified assailants opened fire on Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi, in Kapurthala district. Local police stated that the victim, a resident of Jairampur village, was the last remaining witness in the high-profile 2015 murder case of gangster Sukha Kahlwan.
The attack occurred near Avon Palace on GT Road while Gurpreet was seated in his vehicle. Eyewitnesses noted that the gunmen approached the car from the front and fired multiple rounds through the windshield, killing the victim instantly. Forensics teams and local investigators affirmed that the shooting was executed from close range, leaving the target with no opportunity to escape.
“Gurpreet stood by his testimony, making him a crucial link in the ongoing legal proceedings,” a law enforcement official affirmed. While other witnesses in the Kahlwan case had previously turned hostile, authorities maintained that Gurpreet’s continued cooperation had made him a target for rival factions.
Shortly after the incident, individuals identifying as members of the Donny Ball gang claimed responsibility via social media, citing old enmities and the killing of gangster Vicky Gounder. Police officials stated they are currently verifying the authenticity of these digital claims and are investigating the possibility of a coordinated gang war.
The Dhilwan police have taken custody of the body for a post-mortem examination at the Civil Hospital. Authorities affirmed that the case raises critical questions regarding the protection of witnesses in major organized crime trials. They maintained that security protocols for individuals involved in such sensitive cases are under immediate review following the daylight assassination.
