Deputy superintendent of police Baljinder Singh Sandhu died of a gunshot wound when he was trying to mediate between protesting students and police in Jaitu, 35 kilometres from Punjab's Faridkot, on Monday.
The bullet was allegedly fired from his own pistol. The police claimed it was an accidental fire. However, he is seen in a video pointing the pistol at his own head. The exact circumstances were not immediately known. Another police personnel has been injured in the incident.
The incident took place when the DSP reached the protest site at University College where approximately 500 students were protesting against the police for allegedly thrashing some students. During commotion at the protest, the DSP and his aide were hit with a bullet.
Both the injured were rushed to Guru Gobind Singh Medical Hospital in Faridkot where DSP succumbed to his injuries.
Confirming the news of the death of a top cop, IGP, Bathinda Range MS Chhina said Sandhu and his gunmen were rushed to Faridkot Medical Hospital where the DSP died of his wounds. Sandhu’s gunman is battling for his life.
The incident has sent shockwaves amid the state administration and a probe has been ordered.
Meanwhile, a video has emerged which shows DSP Sandhu trying to pacify an enraged mob. Suddenly, a gunshot is heard following which the cop is seen collapsing on the ground bleeding.
DIG Ferozepur range said that there was tension between two groups in Jaitu college. DSP Baljinder was trying to pacify students and resolve the issue when students started making allegations against him. The DSP took them as a personal attack and committed suicide, the DIG said.
