Police in Pilibhit have registered a murder case against a retired Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) sub-inspector and his wife for the alleged killing of a 28-year-old man. The incident, rooted in suspicion of an illicit relationship, occurred on Saturday morning, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The Alleged Motive: A Suspected Affair
The accused have been identified as Puran Singh (62) and his wife, Gurmeet Kaur, residents of Narayanpur village in Pilibhit's Puranpur area. The victim is Sukhdev Singh (28), a resident of Tonadrpur village in the Neuria area. According to the police, the primary motive appears to be Puran Singh's suspicion that Sukhdev was involved in a romantic relationship with his daughter. The daughter had recently left for Australia on a student visa on December 15.
Sukhdev was known to the family as he had previously run an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) coaching centre from the premises of the accused couple. Police stated that the couple, who do not have a son, had treated Sukhdev like a family member. The coaching centre, however, had been shut down for over a year.
A Fatal Morning and Conflicting Narratives
The sequence of events, as per the complaint filed by the victim's father, Harjinder Singh, a farmer, began on Saturday morning. Sukhdev reportedly received a phone call from Puran Singh and left home without explaining why. Around 9:30 am, the family was informed that he had been shot dead. Harjinder Singh rushed to Puran Singh's house and found his son's body inside.
Station House Officer (SHO) Pawan Pandey confirmed crucial details. "Puran Singh's licensed pistol was used in the incident," the SHO said. "The bullet pierced Sukhdev's chest and exited, hitting a sofa in the room. Gurmeet Kaur also sustained a bullet injury to her shoulder and was admitted to a government medical facility."
However, Gurmeet Kaur presented a starkly different account to the police. She claimed that Sukhdev had taken Rs 50 lakh from her husband in instalments, ostensibly for a business investment, and was avoiding repayment. She alleged that a dispute over this money erupted during Sukhdev's visit on Saturday morning. According to her, Sukhdev shot her with a pistol before turning the weapon on himself.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
The police are investigating both angles. A forensic team has collected evidence from the crime scene. The bullet that injured Gurmeet Kaur will be sent for forensic examination to determine the weapon used, which could be crucial in verifying the conflicting stories.
Based on the formal complaint by Harjinder Singh, a case has been registered against Puran Singh and Gurmeet Kaur under BNS Section 103(1), which pertains to murder. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to piece together the exact circumstances that led to the tragic death.
The case highlights a complex web of personal relationships, suspicion, and financial disputes, leaving a community in mourning and awaiting justice for the young victim.
