Migrant snatches cop’s weapon, shoots self near Golden Temple

A migrant allegedly shot himself after snatching a pistol from a cop deployed near the Golden Temple on Sunday.

ADCP Vishaljit Singh said the deceased, who hasn’t been identified yet, was rushed to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. “The deceased did not carry any identity proof, wallet or a mobile phone. Thus, its taking time to ascertain his identity,” he said.

The incident took place around 7 am. The policeman from whom the pistol was snatched has been identified as ASI Ashwani Kumar. He was deputed with a pilot vehicle and accompanied a VIP who came to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple.

The ADCP said the migrant all of a sudden came to the ASI, snatched his pistol and shot himself in the head. “All this happened within a few seconds,” said the ADCP.

He said they were scanning CCTV cameras to track his movement and identify him.

According to eyewitnesses, it appeared that the migrant knew how to use the pistol. The cop was looking towards the Golden Temple when the migrant came from behind, snatched his pistol and ran away. The ASI also chased the migrant but he unlocked the pistol and shot himself in the head. Cops immediately rushed him to a hospital where he succumbed.

Harsandeep Singh Sandhu, SHO, Kotwali Police Station, said, “The probe is underway. We are trying to ascertain the identity of the deceased.”