Ex-Army man shoots wife, son with licensed weapon

An ex-Army man shot his wife and son with his licensed gun in an inebriated state at his home in Buani village on Tuesday. His son was declared dead upon arrival at hospital while his injured wife was admitted to a private hospital in Ludhiana.

Doctors said her condition was stable. The suspect fled the scene with his weapon, following which the Doraha police have registered a case under Sections 103 of BNS, 2023, and 27 of the Arms Act, 1959.

Identified as Baljinder Singh, the suspect had taken voluntary retirement from the Army seven years ago and returned to stay with his mother, wife and two sons.

Sources said he had a troubled marriage with his wife Balwinder Kaur and frequently fought with her over petty issues due to his alcoholism.

Balwinder Kaur’s father, Takwinder Singh, alleged that Baljinder used to abuse his wife and sons, Manpreet Singh (28) and Jagmeet Singh (23), in an intoxicated state.

“He did not only beat them but also terrorise them with his licensed weapon,” he said.

“On June 3 also, he continued his acts, but I never imagined it would end so tragically,” he said.

According to Takwinder, his daughter called him for help as Baljinder was threatening the family in a drunken rage. When he arrived, he tried to pacify the situation but soon left the place. After some time, Baljinder allegedly climbed the stairs where his wife and son Jagmeet were sitting and opened fire at them. Jagmeet suffered gunshot injuries in his chest and stomach while Balwinder in the rear part.

“I dragged them downstairs and rushed them to a hospital in Doraha,” said Takwinder.

“Doctors declared my grandson dead and referred my daughter to SPS Hospital before finally shifting her to Fortis Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment,” he said.

Speaking to this correspondent, the grieving father lamented: “For over 25 years, my daughter and her sons endured his abuse, which ultimately ended in the tragedy. I begged her countless times to leave him and return to her parental home but she refused. Baljinder is entirely responsible for the incident but his mother, Manjit Kaur, played a sinister role in their suffering. Her interference cost my grandson his life and left my daughter battling for survival.”

Doraha SHO Akash Dutt said a case had been registered against Baljinder and raids were on to nab him.