Retired Punjab Police AIG shoots son-in-law dead in Chandigarh district court, arrested

Chandigarh, August 3

A firing incident on the Chandigarh District Court premises on Saturday afternoon led to panic, in which an Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officer was allegedly shot dead by his father-in-law.

Police said the accused Malwinder Singh Sidhu, a retired AIG of the Punjab Police, allegedly shot dead Harpreet Singh at the mediation center in court complex.

Lawyers and visitors at the scene quickly intervened, apprehending Sidhu and detaining him in a room until the police arrived.

Harpreet was rushed to PGIMER in a private car, but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. Senior officers, including Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, along with a forensic team, arrived to gather evidence.

The police received information about the incident at around 2 pm, Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur said. She said the accused was apprehended from the spot and taken into police custody.

A .32 bore pistol was recovered from the accused, the SSP said, adding that they are also investigating from which entrance did the accused enter the court complex carrying a weapon.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a matrimonial dispute was going on between Harpreet and his wife Dr Amitoj Kaur.

Divorce proceedings were going on between the two parties since 2023. The couple had another litigation ongoing at Mohali, said officials.

The matter was referred to the mediation centre and proceedings were being carried out by the court appointed mediators. It was their fourth meeting in mediation proceedings.

Police said Harpreet along with his parents were present there when Malwinder Singh fired at him.

Four rounds were fired out of which two hit Harpreet in stomach and thigh, said officials. The deceased was posted in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, they added.

A case under section 103 (1) of BNS and sections 25, 27, 54,59 of Arms Act has been registered against Malwinder Singh at Sector 36 police station.

Major security lapse 

The shooting incident inside the court complex has raised concerns about security measures at the court. The failure of security personnel to frisk Sidhu while he was entering the building has revealed a significant lapse in security protocols.

There were no CCTV cameras installed at the point where the incident took place.