In a shocking incident that has left the Punjab Police department and the local community in mourning, a brave sub-inspector was gunned down during a duty operation. The tragic event unfolded in what was supposed to be a routine follow-up on suspicious criminal activity in the area. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Atul Soni, who was supervising the operation and later provided a detailed account, shared a heart-wrenching narration of the incident that claimed the life of one of their most dedicated officers.
The day began like many others in the field for the officers of the Punjab Police. There had been intelligence inputs regarding the movements of some known criminal elements in the area, and a small team was assembled to conduct surveillance and, if needed, make arrests. Sub-Inspector (SI) Kulwinder Singh, who had been serving the department with diligence for over a decade, was part of this special operation unit. Known among his peers for his calm demeanor and steady approach even under pressure, SI Singh was briefed on the plan and joined the rest of the team with unwavering determination.
DSP Atul Soni, in his detailed account, explained that the team had zeroed in on a small village on the outskirts of the district. The intelligence suggested that a group involved in illegal arms trafficking and drug supply might be using an abandoned property as a temporary shelter. The plan was not to storm the location immediately but to conduct surveillance and gather more data. However, things took a fatal turn when a couple of unknown individuals were seen leaving the building in a hurry.
“As soon as we spotted movement, we decided to close in carefully to identify the suspects. We were not expecting hostility, as previous engagements in similar circumstances had ended peacefully,” DSP Soni recalled. “But this time, it was different. The suspects were not just armed; they were ready to use their weapons at the slightest hint of police presence.”
According to DSP Soni, the team divided into smaller units and attempted to surround the building discreetly. SI Kulwinder Singh, leading one of the flanks, approached from the rear side of the compound. It was during this tactical maneuver that tragedy struck. One of the suspects, possibly having noticed the advancing officers through a window or a makeshift lookout, opened fire without warning.
“A single shot echoed through the field, and we immediately knew something had gone wrong,” DSP Soni said, visibly shaken while recounting the moment. “We heard SI Singh’s voice calling out briefly, and then he went silent. We rushed to his location, and by the time we reached him, he was lying on the ground, bleeding heavily from a gunshot wound to the chest.”
The team tried to administer first aid and immediately called for an ambulance. SI Singh was rushed to the nearest hospital, but despite the medical team’s best efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. The bullet had pierced a vital organ, and the bleeding was too severe to control.
“It was one of the darkest days in my career,” DSP Soni shared. “We have lost officers before, but when you see a man who stood beside you just moments ago, a man with a family, a man who believed in duty above all else, fall in the line of duty—it breaks something inside you.”
The news of the incident spread quickly through the ranks and to the community, sparking widespread grief and anger. Tributes poured in from across the police department and civil society. Senior officers visited SI Singh’s home to pay their respects and offer condolences to the grieving family. The fallen officer leaves behind a wife and two young children, both of whom were reportedly inconsolable upon hearing the news.
DSP Soni made a personal visit to the family as well. “I promised his wife that we would not let his sacrifice go in vain,” he said. “He died doing what he believed in—protecting others. And for that, we owe him more than just words.”
In response to the incident, a massive manhunt was launched to track down and apprehend the suspects. The Punjab Police quickly mobilized additional forces, including special units trained in tactical operations, to sweep the area. Checkpoints were set up, and security was tightened in nearby districts. The police also released sketches of the suspects based on preliminary information and offered a reward for any leads that could help capture the culprits.
The state government, too, responded swiftly. The Chief Minister issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and promised all possible assistance to the bereaved family. He also assured that the culprits would face the harshest punishment under the law.
“We cannot undo the loss,” DSP Soni stated solemnly, “but we can ensure justice. We owe it to SI Singh. We owe it to every officer who wears this uniform with pride.”
In the days following the incident, community members held candlelight vigils in memory of SI Singh. Fellow officers from across the state posted tributes online, sharing stories of his courage and commitment. Many called for stronger policies to ensure the safety of field officers, including better training and access to protective gear.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the growing risks faced by police officers in Punjab and other states. With rising incidents of armed resistance during operations, many believe that law enforcement agencies need greater support in terms of equipment, intelligence, and policy-level backing.
As the sun set on the day SI Singh was laid to rest with full honors, his legacy stood tall—not just in the medals he earned or the cases he solved, but in the hearts of those who served with him. For DSP Atul Soni and countless others, the mission continues—but with the memory of a brave comrade forever etched in their minds.