Punjab is once again grappling with the aftermath of a shocking act of violence, as former kabaddi player Gagandeep Singh, known affectionately as Baba, was brutally shot dead in broad daylight. The 36-year-old’s life was tragically cut short near a grain market in Manuke village, Jagraon, Ludhiana district, in what authorities suspect was a bitter rivalry playing out.
Police investigations reveal a grim story: Gagandeep was reportedly targeted because of his unwavering support for a fellow kabaddi player, Ekam. On that fateful Monday, a group of assailants, allegedly led by Gursewak Singh alias Motu, confronted Gagandeep and Ekam. The encounter quickly turned deadly, with Gagandeep sustaining three fatal bullet injuries, dying on the spot.
But the audacity of the perpetrators didn’t end there. In a truly chilling development, after committing the murder, they brazenly drove to Gagandeep’s home and reportedly informed his grieving family where to collect his body from the crime scene. This level of callousness has sent shockwaves throughout the community and the entire state.
Authorities have moved swiftly, apprehending one accused, but a massive manhunt is actively underway for Gursewak and at least six other individuals believed to be involved in this heinous crime. The vehicle used by the attackers has also been recovered as evidence.
This tragic killing is, alarmingly, not an isolated incident. It marks the fourth major act of targeted violence in Punjab within a mere four days, adding to a troubling trend that includes other recent murders across Kapurthala, Moga, and Amritsar. Such a surge in violent crimes, coupled with the recent murder of another kabaddi player last month in Mohali, is sparking serious public concern about the escalating law and order situation in the state. The community now collectively mourns the loss of a talented sports figure, while demanding swift justice and a return to peace.
