Ludhiana, January 11: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, representing Ludhiana West, died late Friday night following a gunshot wound, with police suspecting accidental discharge from his licensed pistol.
Joint Commissioner of Police Jaskaran Singh Teja said the incident occurred at Gogi’s residence around midnight. “The bullet, which pierced his temple, was fired from his licensed pistol. Based on initial accounts from family members, it appears to be an accidental discharge,” Teja stated.
Gogi, 58, was immediately rushed to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where doctors pronounced him dead. His body has been moved to the mortuary, and an investigation is underway. The police have ordered a post-mortem examination to determine further details.
Gogi is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum, prompting tributes from various leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
“Received the heartbreaking news of the untimely demise of our MLA from Ludhiana West, Gurpreet Gogi. He was a wonderful person who served with dedication. Heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time,” Mann posted on X (formerly Twitter).
AAP Punjab President Aman Arora also expressed his condolences, stating, “May they find the strength to endure this unbearable loss. I pray for his soul’s eternal peace.”
Hours before his death, Gogi participated in key political activities. He met Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and AAP MP Balbir Singh Seechewal to discuss the cleanup of Buddha Nullah, a polluted drain in Ludhiana. He also visited Prachin Sheetla Mata Mandir in BRS Nagar to address concerns related to a recent theft.
Gogi had joined AAP in 2022 after spending over two decades with the Congress. During the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, he defeated two-time MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu to secure the Ludhiana West seat. Earlier, he served as a municipal councillor and as chairman of the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation. He also led the Ludhiana district Congress (urban) from 2014 to 2019.
Known for his grassroots approach, Gogi gained attention when he filed his nomination papers for the 2022 elections on a scooter. Last year, he made headlines for demolishing the foundation stone of the Buddha Nullah rejuvenation project in protest against bureaucratic delays.
Political figures across party lines mourned his demise. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring described the death as tragic, stating, “I am short of words after hearing this unfortunate news. My thoughts are with the family and supporters.” Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa called Gogi’s passing an “irreparable loss” and commended his contributions to public service.
Gogi’s sudden death has not only left his family and supporters grieving but also created a void in Ludhiana’s political landscape.