As investigations conclude, the death of Harwinder Singh stands as a stark reminder of how a moment’s lapse in firearm safety can irreversibly alter lives, leaving families and communities to cope with sudden and preventable loss
A tragic accident in Punjab’s Fazilka district has claimed the life of a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), once again drawing attention to the risks associated with careless handling of licensed firearms. The incident occurred on Monday evening in Dhani Sucha Singh village, leaving the local community in shock and mourning.
The deceased, Harwinder Singh, also known as Sonu, had recently returned from abroad and settled in his native village. Married and the father of a two-year-old child, Harwinder was spending time with relatives at his home when the mishap took place. According to police investigations, a loaded pistol tucked into his waist accidentally discharged as he stood up from a sofa, causing a bullet injury to his abdomen.
-
CCTV footage from the house, examined by officials from Balluana police station, confirmed that the firing was accidental
-
The video reportedly shows Harwinder seated comfortably with family members before the weapon went off the moment he rose
-
He was immediately rushed to a government hospital in Fazilka and later referred to Bathinda for advanced treatment
-
However, he succumbed to his injuries while being taken to Bathinda
Police officials, led by Balluana SHO Ravinder Sharma, reached the spot soon after receiving information about the incident. On Tuesday, a post-mortem examination was conducted, after which the body was handed over to the family for last rites, which were performed the same afternoon.
The incident also saw local political leaders and villagers gathering at the hospital to express solidarity with the bereaved family. Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including Balluana MLA Goldy Musafir, visited the hospital and offered condolences, terming the death deeply unfortunate. The deceased’s father, Darshan Singh, is a known figure in the area and had recently won the panchayat samiti election, adding to the public outpouring of grief.
While no foul play has been suspected so far, the case has revived debate around the practice of carrying loaded firearms in civilian settings. Punjab has witnessed several such accidental discharges in recent years, often linked to negligence or lack of proper safety measures.
