Punjab Police Constable Arrested for Heinous Double Murder in Sangrur
In a shocking case that has sent ripples through Punjab's law enforcement community, a head constable of the Punjab Police has been arrested for allegedly murdering his own mother and sister—who was also a police constable—and attempting to disguise their deaths as a tragic road accident. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema disclosed the grim details during a press conference held on Sunday, highlighting the brutal nature of the crime.
Greed for Property Alleged as Motive
The accused, identified as Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Mouran village in Sangrur district, is believed to have committed the murders out of sheer greed for ancestral property. According to Cheema, Gurpreet targeted his mother, Inderjit Kaur (55), and his sister, Sarabjit Kaur (35), in a premeditated act that has left the local community in disbelief. Both victims were integral members of the family, with Sarabjit serving in a CID unit of the Punjab Police, having been recruited alongside her brother in 2016.
Discovery of Burnt Car and Initial Investigation
The case came to light on January 17 when police received a report of a fatal car fire on the road connecting Sular Gharat and Chhahar village in Sangrur. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a Maruti Suzuki Swift (registration PB13 BS 1294) completely burnt, with two skeletal remains inside. Initial assumptions pointed toward a road accident, with speculation that Sarabjit had been driving her mother to a relative's house before heading to duty when the car allegedly crashed into a tree and caught fire.
An FIR was initially registered under sections related to accidental death, but investigators soon grew suspicious of the crash scene. Under the expert guidance of SP (Investigation) Davinder Atri and DSP Rupinder Kaur, a specialised technical team was formed to delve deeper into the matter. This team included CIA Sangrur in-charge Inspector Sandeep Singh and SHO Kamaljit Singh, who played pivotal roles in unraveling the truth.
Arrest and Confession of the Accused
The investigation led to the arrest of Gurpreet Singh, who is posted at the Sangrur Sadar police station, on January 23. During intensive interrogation, Gurpreet confessed to the heinous crime, revealing that he murdered his mother and sister on the night of January 16. Police reports indicate that after committing the murders, he placed the bodies inside the car, drove it to a secluded road, intentionally rammed it into a tree, doused the vehicle and bodies with petrol, set them ablaze, and fled the scene to create the illusion of a road accident.
Legal Actions and Government Response
Following the confession, the initial charges under Sections 281 and 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) were dropped, and Section 103, pertaining to murder, was invoked. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized the severity of the case, stating, "The Punjab government and police will ensure that those committing such heinous crimes are not spared. This was a heinous crime in which a real brother killed his mother and sister out of greed for property." He further announced that the government would push for the maximum possible punishment, including the death penalty, to serve as a deterrent.
SP Davinder Atri confirmed that the FIR has been registered at the Dirba police station in Sangrur district, underscoring the thoroughness of the investigation. This case not only highlights the dark underbelly of familial disputes but also raises questions about integrity within the police force, as both the accused and one victim were serving officers.
The community in Sangrur and beyond is grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy, as authorities continue to piece together the full extent of the crime. The Punjab Police's swift action in solving the case has been commended, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption and violence even among those sworn to uphold the law.
