By Dharmesh Prajapati
A dispute over vehicle movement on a busy street at Batala in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district escalated into a deadly exchange of fire on Friday, leaving one man dead and two others injured, police said.
According to eyewitnesses, an argument broke out between occupants of a white Toyota Fortuner and the driver of another vehicle after a disagreement over right of way near the crowded Symbol Chowk. As bystanders attempted to intervene and defuse the situation, a young man travelling in the Fortuner allegedly pulled out a licensed pistol and fired two to three shots, witnesses said.
Deep Inder Singh, 35, also known as Deep Shukrura, a Nihang Sikh who ran a de-addiction centre in Shukrura village near Batala, then allegedly drew his licensed revolver and returned fire. According to eyewitness Jaspal Singh, one bullet struck a Fortuner occupant in the leg, while another hit a second person.
Witnesses said another occupant of the Fortuner then opened fire on Deep Inder Singh, fatally injuring him. After the shooting, the same individual allegedly attempted suicide by shooting himself.
Eyewitnesses further alleged that when the injured man fell to the ground, his companion climbed onto the fallen Nihang and fired two to three additional rounds at him.
Witnesses estimated that around 15 rounds were fired during the incident. Police said they have recovered nine to 10 spent cartridges from the scene so far.
The injured have been identified as Jagjit Singh and his brother Kamalpreet Singh. Police said the two men travelling in the Fortuner belong to a family associated with a gun house in Batala.
Senior Superintendent of Police Mahtab Singh said a case has been registered and an investigation is underway.
“Preliminary findings indicate that both sides used licensed firearms during the clash. Evidence has been collected from the scene and further legal proceedings are being initiated,” the SSP said.
The shooting, which occurred in broad daylight at the busy Symbol Chowk, left traders and local residents shaken and has renewed concerns over public safety in one of the town’s busiest commercial areas.