Former kabaddi player shot dead in Jagraon grain market

Former Kabaddi Player Shot Dead in Manuke Village

A former kabaddi player was shot dead on Monday in the grain market of Manuke village in Jagraon. This incident reportedly stemmed from a rivalry over supporting another kabaddi player. His friend narrowly escaped by fleeing the scene.

Victim Identified

The victim has been identified as Gagandeep Singh alias Baba, 36. He was a father of three and worked as a bouncer to support his family. Gagandeep was shot near the village grain market when a rival group intercepted him. He suffered three bullet injuries and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Police Investigation

The Ludhiana rural police have booked Gursewak Singh alias Motu from the same village and his aides. Police have arrested one accused, identified as Pardeep Singh, while more than six assailants remain at large.

Friend’s Escape

Gagandeep was with his friend and fellow kabaddi player Ekam, who escaped the gunfire by running away. Ekam was later taken to Jagraon Civil Hospital in an injured and traumatized state.

Official Response

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Satinder Singh and Ludhiana rural Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ankur Gupta arrived at the scene to start an investigation. Preliminary information suggests the murder is linked to a long-standing rivalry over kabaddi disputes in the village.

Background of Rivalry

Eyewitnesses reported that Gagandeep had opposed certain individuals, including Gursewak, who were trying to prevent Ekam from playing kabaddi. This opposition allegedly angered the rival group. A few days prior, Ekam had also been attacked in the same feud.

Details of the Incident

On Monday, Gagandeep and Ekam were confronted by several youths on motorcycles near the grain market. Eyewitnesses noted that heated arguments occurred before one assailant opened fire. Gagandeep was hit by three bullets and collapsed in the fields as the attackers fled. Ekam managed to escape during the chaos. Gagandeep’s family rushed him to Jagraon Civil Hospital, where he was pronounced dead during treatment.

Family’s Claims

Gurdeep Singh, Gagandeep’s father, claimed that Gursewak and his aides visited their home after the murder and confessed to killing his son.

Police Findings

DIG Singh stated that Gagandeep and Ekam had a scuffle with Gursewak earlier that morning. Gursewak reportedly threatened them before returning with his aides to confront the duo in Manuke village, leading to the shooting.

Ongoing Tensions

SSP Gupta mentioned that tensions had been escalating between the victim and the rival group for several days. He noted that the accused took advantage of the situation to commit the crime before fleeing. Multiple police teams have been formed, and raids are ongoing to apprehend the suspects.

Community Response

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Jagraon, Saravjit Kaur Manuke, visited the hospital after the incident to meet with the victim’s family.