Ex-Serviceman Shoots Dead Mother, Daughter In Patiala

An ex-serviceman today allegedly shot dead his mother and 17-year-old daughter in Chhahar village, about 10 km from Dirba. He also shot at himself and was admitted to Sunam Civil Hospital, from where he was later shifted to Government Rajindra Hospital, Patiala.

Sewa Singh Malhi, DSP, Dirba, said ex-serviceman Rai (42) shot the two with his .32 bore revolver.

An ex-serviceman is reported to have killed his mother and daughter on Wednesday morning at Chahar village near Dirba in Sangrur district. Rai Singh, 42, who had retired from the army, allegedly also attempted to commit suicide after killing his mother, Amarjit Kaur, and daughter, Veerpal Kaur (17). A case under Sections 302 (murder) and 309 (suicide attempt) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered against Rai on the statements of his wife, Gurjeet Kaur. The deputy superintendent of police Sewa Singh said that the incident happened around 9.30am when Rai had altercation with his children during breakfast.

The police said Rai had taken out his licensed 0.32-bore revolver from his room during the argument and fired three shots at his mother and one at his daughter. The DSP said that he then tried to shoot himself in the head but survived.

Post retirement, Rai had also served in Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) for three years and taken premature retirement. His wife told the police that Rai had been in depression after losing huge money in some business, and would often quarrel with his children and wife for no reason.

The retired soldier had two daughters and a son. During the shooting, the members of his family ran helter-skelter to save their lives. The three who took bullets were taken to a local hospital, and from there, referred to Government Rajindra hospital in Patiala. Two didn’t survive, while Rai’s is stated to be out of danger, as the bullet did no damage to his brain.