Army Personnel Held for Wife's Murder
An army man has been arrested for allegedly killing his wife by driving their car into the Bhakra Canal in Punjab's Rupnagar district, police said on June 25. The accused, identified as Harpreet Singh, a soldier in the Indian Army, was taken into custody following a detailed investigation into the incident that occurred on June 24.
Details of the Incident
According to police, Harpreet Singh and his wife, identified as 28-year-old Manpreet Kaur, were traveling in their car when he deliberately drove the vehicle into the canal near the village of Bela. The car sank into the deep waters, and while Harpreet managed to escape, his wife drowned. The body of Manpreet Kaur was recovered later that day by a team of divers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police.
Police officials stated that the couple had been married for three years and had a strained relationship. Harpreet Singh reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, admitting that he drove the car into the canal with the intention of killing his wife. He claimed that they had a heated argument before the incident.
Investigation and Arrest
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rupnagar, Vivek Soni, said, "We received a call about a car plunging into the Bhakra Canal. Upon investigation, we found inconsistencies in Harpreet Singh's statement. He claimed it was an accident, but evidence suggested otherwise. After thorough questioning, he confessed to the murder."
The police have registered a case under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant sections of the Indian Evidence Act. The accused was produced before a local court and remanded to police custody for further investigation.
Community Reaction
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community. Manpreet Kaur's family has alleged that she was subjected to domestic violence and harassment over dowry demands. Her father, Gurdev Singh, said, "My daughter was unhappy in her marriage. She had complained to us about her husband's behavior. We never imagined he would go to such extremes."
Police are also probing whether the accused had any prior criminal record or if there were any other motives behind the murder. The car has been retrieved from the canal, and forensic experts are examining it for evidence.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Punjab recorded 1,023 cases of murder with cruelty by husband or relatives in 2024, a slight increase from the previous year.
Legal Proceedings
Harpreet Singh is currently in police custody and will be produced before the court on June 27 for further hearing. The prosecution is seeking his remand for additional questioning to uncover any accomplices or deeper conspiracy. The case is being closely monitored by women's rights groups who are calling for a speedy trial and justice for the victim.
