Former SHO dies by suicide

A retired Punjab Police inspector, Sukhwinder Singh Randhawa, allegedly died by suicide as he shot himself at his residence at Ekroop Avenue on Majitha Road here on Thursday.

Nevertheless, the police said investigations are on to ascertain the cause behind the incident.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (West) Shivdarshan Singh said a probe was underway to ascertain the cause behind the injury and subsequent death. “Police and forensic teams have been carrying out examinations whether it was an accidental fire or a suicide. Following initial reports and the statements of the family members, appropriate action would be taken,” he said. He said the family members were in shock and they were yet to record their statements. The incident occurred at around 11.30 am when the police got information that he died of gunshot injuries, he added

Sukhwinder Singh Randhawa retired (from city police) around four years ago. He remained deputed as the SHO and with the Special Task Force formed by former Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to combat drug smuggling.

According to police sources, he had been suffering from depression for the past couple of years. He had been facing a number of inquiries, including a CBI probe, in connection with an NDPS Act case.

Vinod Kumar, SHO, Sadar police station, said the police have started inquest proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in this connection. He said further appropriate action would be taken as per the statements of the victim’s family and the investigations report.