Law Student in Critical Condition After Fatal Classroom Shooting in Punjab
The condition of a law student, who allegedly shot dead a woman classmate before turning the weapon on himself in Punjab's Tarn Taran district, remains critical as police continue to investigate the origins of the firearm used in the tragic incident.
Details of the Incident and Ongoing Investigation
Prince Raj Singh, a 20-year-old first-year student at Mai Bhago Law College in Usma village, is currently hospitalized in Amritsar's Guru Nanak Dev hospital after the Monday shooting. He is reported to be unconscious and in a critical state. The victim, Sandeep Kaur, aged 19, died on the spot from gunshot wounds.
The entire episode was captured on CCTV footage from the classroom, which shows Prince, Sandeep, and another woman student present. According to the footage, Prince suddenly stood up, retrieved a pistol from his bag, and shot Sandeep in the head. He then proceeded to shoot himself in the head before collapsing.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Jagbir Singh confirmed that Prince's condition has not improved, stating, "He is still unconscious. His condition remains critical."
Victim's Family Allegations and Police Response
Sandeep's mother, Harjinder Kaur, has alleged that Prince had been harassing her daughter for some time. She claimed that Prince proposed to Sandeep on February 8, but Sandeep refused, citing her desire to uphold her father's honor and dignity. The following day, a friend attempted to mediate between them in the classroom, but when Sandeep stood firm, Prince shot her.
Harjinder Kaur has urged police to probe the role of the other woman student seen in the CCTV footage with Sandeep and Prince. In response, SSP Tarn Taran Surendra Lamba said, "We have been probing every angle. It is clear from the CCTV footage that the girl sitting with the victim and accused was also in shock after the incident."
Weapon Origin and Background of the Accused
Police are yet to trace how Prince obtained the weapon used in the crime. SSP Lamba emphasized, "It was not legal. We have been investigating from where he procured it." Harjinder Kaur questioned the ease of acquiring illegal weapons, demanding that all those involved in providing the firearm be held accountable.
Prince's father is a serving personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force, currently posted outside Punjab. A classmate, who wished to remain anonymous, described Prince as obsessed with Sandeep, saying, "He'd repeatedly say in class that he wouldn't let her marry anyone else."
Legal Proceedings and Family Reactions
A case has been registered under Section 103 (punishment for murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant sections of the Arms Act. Police are investigating the motive behind the killing and plan to question friends and family members of both individuals.
Initially, Sandeep's family refused to cremate her, citing lack of progress in the investigation. After mediation, they relented. Sandeep was the second of Harjinder Kaur's seven daughters. Harjinder, a widow, is the sole breadwinner for her family, which also includes a son.
Prince hails from Mallian village, while Sandeep was a resident of Naushehra Pannuan village. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover all aspects of this distressing case.
