High Court Demands Accountability in Mohali Shooting and Police Inaction
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken a stern stance against perceived lapses in police action, directing the Punjab Police to submit a comprehensive report on a brazen daylight shooting incident that occurred near the Mohali SSP office. In a hearing held on Thursday, a division bench comprising Justices Anupinder Singh Grewal and Deepak Manchanda expressed serious concerns over the slow progress in apprehending the assailants involved in the murder case.
Details of the Mohali Shooting Incident
On January 28, 2026, Gurwinder Singh, a key accused in the 2020 murder of Gurlal Brar—a cousin of foreign-based gangster Goldy Brar—was shot dead while en route to a court with his wife. The assailants fired multiple rounds in a shocking attack that took place in close proximity to the SSP's office in Mohali. Despite the identification of two shooters, they remain at large, although two other accused individuals have been taken into custody. The Mohali police have since booked Goldy Brar and two other gangsters, Rohit Godara and Vicky Pehlwan, after they claimed responsibility for the killing.
Court's Observations and Directions
The bench highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that the shooting occurred outside the office of the SSP, Mohali, yet the main perpetrators are still free. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav filed an affidavit and requested additional time to investigate the matter further. The court granted this request and scheduled the next hearing for February 10, 2026, emphasizing the need for swift and effective action.
Assault on Court Staff and Delayed FIRs
In addition to the shooting case, the High Court addressed another concerning incident from July 6, 2025, where a police officer allegedly assaulted a chowkidar, who was also a court employee, within the District Court premises in Mohali. The officer reportedly snatched keys, opened a gate, and entered the court complex, with the entire episode captured on CCTV footage. A complaint was lodged by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate on July 11, 2025, but no FIR was registered initially.
The court pointed out that the Chief Judicial Magistrate had to issue a judicial order on July 30, 2025, to direct the registration of an FIR, which was finally done on July 31, 2025, as FIR No. 197. However, even after six months, there has been no meaningful progress in the case, raising questions about police responsiveness and accountability.
Legal Proceedings and Assurances
Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi and senior counsel Puneet Bali appeared before the bench, seeking time to obtain instructions and assuring that appropriate measures would be taken by the next hearing date. The court also adjourned applications filed by intervenors in related matters to February 24, 2026, and ordered that a copy of the interim order be placed on the files of other connected cases.
This judicial intervention underscores the High Court's commitment to ensuring that law enforcement agencies act promptly and effectively in serious criminal matters, particularly those involving violence and threats to public safety. The cases highlight ongoing challenges in police efficiency and the need for greater oversight to uphold justice and maintain public trust in the legal system.
