US-Based Man Among 9 Booked in Kapurthala's Lakhan Kalan Firing
US man among 9 booked in Kapurthala firing incident

Police in Punjab's Kapurthala district have registered a serious case of attempted murder against nine individuals, including a man based in the United States. The charges follow a violent shooting incident that erupted in the village of Lakhan Kalan, sending shockwaves through the local community.

The Violent Outbreak in Lakhan Kalan

The confrontation took place on the evening of May 10, 2024, near the residence of a man named Jaswinder Singh. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed at the Sultanpur Lodhi police station, the violence was the culmination of a long-standing and bitter dispute over property.

The complaint, lodged by Jaswinder Singh himself, states that a group of nine men arrived at the scene and opened fire. The accused allegedly used pistols and other weapons during the attack, creating a scene of terror. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from the gunfire, but the intent to cause grave harm was clear.

Key Accused and Police Investigation

Among the nine individuals named in the FIR is Gurpreet Singh, alias Gora, who is reported to be a resident of the United States. His involvement from abroad adds a complex layer to the investigation. The other accused are local residents identified as Manpreet Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Kashmir Singh, Malkit Singh, Kulwant Singh, Major Singh, and two others named Gora.

Kapurthala police have invoked stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 307 (attempt to murder) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). Additionally, charges under the Arms Act have been applied due to the illegal use of firearms. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway to apprehend all the suspects and establish the complete sequence of events.

Root Cause: A Contentious Property Dispute

Authorities have pinpointed the core reason behind the shooting as a property dispute. Such conflicts, often related to land or inheritance, are not uncommon in the region and can sometimes escalate into extreme violence. The incident in Lakhan Kalan underscores how deeply entrenched local disagreements can boil over into life-threatening situations, requiring police intervention.

The police action demonstrates a firm stance against attempts to take the law into one's own hands. By booking the accused under serious charges, the authorities aim to deter such violent resolutions to civil disputes.

The case remains active, with police teams working to gather evidence and track down the accused. The inclusion of an NRI in the chargesheet highlights the transnational dimensions that local conflicts can sometimes assume. The community in Lakhan Kalan awaits further developments as the legal process unfolds.