Punjab Law College Shooting: Student Kills Classmate, Then Himself in Classroom
A shocking incident of violence unfolded at a private law college in Punjab's Tarn Taran district on Monday morning, February 9, when a first-year student reportedly shot and killed a female classmate inside a classroom before turning the gun on himself. The tragic event, captured on CCTV, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious questions about campus security.
Details of the Classroom Tragedy
According to a report by the Hindustan Times, the shooting occurred at Mai Bhago Law College in Usma village just before daily lectures were scheduled to begin. The accused, identified as 20-year-old Prince Raj from Mallian village, entered the classroom and engaged in a conversation with 19-year-old Sandeep Kaur before pulling out a pistol and shooting her directly in the head.
The CCTV footage, as reported by PTI, revealed Prince, Sandeep, and another female student sitting together while other students were present in the classroom. Suddenly, Prince stood up, retrieved a pistol from his bag, and fired at Sandeep. He then immediately shot himself in the head and collapsed to the floor.
The female student sitting beside Sandeep was seen checking on her motionless classmate in the aftermath. Several students who hurried into the classroom after hearing the gunshot fled upon seeing the horrific scene.
Investigation and Possible Motive
Prince was quickly transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition and remains under medical care. While a definitive motive has yet to be established, Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba indicated that a "friendship angle" appears to be the primary lead in the initial investigation.
"We have seized the mobile phones of both students and sent them for forensic examination to understand the nature of their relationship and the events leading up to the shooting," SSP Lamba was quoted as saying in the HT report.
PTI reported that a family member of Sandeep Kaur claimed Prince had been harassing her for some time. The family also revealed that Sandeep was engaged to be married, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
Victim's Background and Security Concerns
Sandeep Kaur came from a family facing significant challenges. Her mother, Harjinder Kaur, a widow and sole provider for seven daughters, expressed profound grief and raised critical questions about the college's security protocols.
"I work hard to educate my children so they can have a future. My daughter left for college normally today," she stated. "The question is: How did a student carry a pistol into a classroom? Does the college have any security system at all?"
Both Prince Raj and Sandeep Kaur were first-year law students and classmates at Mai Bhago Law College in Usma village. The incident has highlighted serious concerns about campus safety and student welfare in educational institutions across the region.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, with forensic analysis of electronic devices expected to provide crucial insights into the relationship between the two students and the events that led to the fatal shooting.
