Kharar: A 28-year-old man from Ludhiana died after he was allegedly shot by a licensed pistol that accidentally discharged while he and his friends were checking firearms at a flat in Mittal Paradise, Shivalik City, Kharar, in the early hours of Aug 25. Police have booked one of his friends and launched an investigation into the incident.The deceased, Gurpreet, arrived in Kharar on Aug 24 with his friends Harpal Singh alias Gopi, Harshvir Virdi and Gurjinder Singh Bhamra. Police said the group gathered at a flat, where other occupants were also present.Police said Gurpreet was carrying a licensed .45-bore pistol, while Harpal possessed a licensed .32-bore revolver. Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearms were believed to have been unloaded. However, around 4am on Aug 25, Gurpreet’s pistol allegedly discharged accidentally. Harpal reportedly picked up the weapon to inspect it and, during the process, the trigger was pulled. The bullet struck Gurpreet below the heart, causing critical injuries.He was immediately rushed to Civil Hospital, Phase 6, Mohali, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.Based on the statement of Gurpreet’s elder brother, Pankaj Kumar, Kharar City police registered a case against Harpal Singh under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Pankaj alleged that Harpal handled the firearm negligently despite being aware of the risks involved.Police said they are verifying the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether a live round had remained in the chamber despite the magazine being removed. Investigators have collected medical records and other evidence, while further inquiries are underway.
