Ludhiana Shooting Tragedy: MBA Student Killed at Private Range, Friend Charged with Murder
Authorities in Ludhiana are conducting a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old postgraduate student at a private shooting range in Talwara village. This tragic incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols and regulatory oversight at private firearm facilities across the region.
Victim Identified as Punjab University MBA Student
The victim has been identified as Rajveer Singh, an MBA student at Punjab University Extension Library. According to police reports, Singh died on Friday after sustaining a bullet wound to his stomach during a visit to the Talwara shooting range. The incident occurred while he was accompanying his friend to the facility for what was supposed to be a routine practice session.
Police have apprehended his friend, Jugaad Singh Sekhon, and charged him with murder under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additionally, various sections of the Arms Act have been invoked in the case, indicating the seriousness with which authorities are treating this incident.
Family Alleges Deliberate Act, Not Accident
The victim's father, Jasvir Singh, provided crucial information to investigators about the events leading up to the tragedy. He revealed that Sekhon arrived at their Jagjeet Nagar home on Friday in a car to pick up Rajveer. The two young men had reportedly met through their academic pursuits approximately two months prior to the incident.
"My son left saying he would return shortly," Jasvir Singh recounted to authorities. Hours later, he received a distressing call from his son's phone placed by an unknown caller, instructing him to rush to DMC Hospital immediately. Upon arrival, doctors delivered the devastating news that Rajveer had succumbed to a gunshot wound that had pierced through his body.
The grieving family has made serious allegations about the nature of the shooting, claiming it was not an accidental discharge but rather a deliberate act. These claims have added another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.
Police Investigation Reveals Range Safety Concerns
Inspector Vijay Kumar, station house officer (SHO) at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) police station, provided important details about the investigation. He confirmed that Sekhon was a regular practitioner at the Talwara range and that Rajveer had accompanied him for a practice session on the fateful day.
"The probe confirms that only Jugaad was practicing there, and Rajveer was with him," Inspector Vijay Kumar stated. "Under what circumstances the gunshot was fired remains the subject of our investigation. The accused has been apprehended and is currently being questioned."
The incident has placed the private association managing the shooting range under intense scrutiny. While professional shooting ranges typically require the presence of certified coaches to enforce strict safety perimeters, investigators are examining whether any proper supervision was present during the fatal session.
"The police are reviewing the role of the range authorities," Inspector Kumar added. "Action will likely be taken for negligence if safety lapses are identified."
Security Lapses and Regulatory Oversight Under Examination
This tragedy has highlighted significant concerns about the lack of standardized oversight at private shooting facilities in the region. Industry standards clearly dictate that all live-fire practice must be overseen by professional coaches to ensure weapons are handled safely and that non-practitioners remain behind protective barriers at all times.
Authorities are now investigating several critical aspects of the case:
- Whether unauthorized persons were permitted on the firing line during active shooting sessions
- If the facility met all local licensing requirements for operating a shooting range
- The presence and qualifications of range supervisors during the incident
- Compliance with established safety protocols for firearm handling
The investigation is examining whether the range had proper safety measures in place, including adequate barriers between shooting lanes, clear safety briefings for all visitors, and appropriate supervision of all firearm handling activities.
This incident has sparked broader conversations about the regulation of private shooting ranges in Punjab and whether current oversight mechanisms are sufficient to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide more details about the specific circumstances that led to this young student's untimely death.
