Gurdaspur, Nov 19— High drama unfolded on Wednesday morning at Improvement Trust Colony No. 7 as around 200 police personnel surrounded a flat following threats by an ex-armyman, who had allegedly killed his wife and mother-in-law the previous night.
The accused, identified as Gurpreet Singh, worked with the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO), which provides welfare and employment for ex-servicemen, including prison security duties. Police said he had stolen a rifle while on jail duty.
“Information reached us in the morning that a man carrying an AK-47 rifle was ready to go on a shooting spree,” said the police. SSP Aditya led the operation, with all officers wearing bullet-proof vests and fanning out across the densely populated colony.
Negotiations were initiated, with SSP Aditya assuring Singh that surrender would keep him safe. The accused initially refused to talk, and silence prevailed as officers planned their next move. A gunshot then rang out, prompting fears that Singh had shot himself. On inspection, police found he was sitting on the staircase, and the shot had accidentally been fired by an officer.
Another round of talks followed, but Singh threatened, “I will fire as you have come here to arrest me.” Minutes later, he reportedly shot himself, ending the standoff.
Police are investigating the motive behind the killings in Khuthi village of Dorangla block, where Singh allegedly killed his wife and mother-in-law before heading to the IT Colony.
