Diwali celebrations turned tragic in Amritsar after a dispute over 1,400 grams of gold between two groups escalated into a violent clash and exchange of gunfire. One youth, identified as Pratap Singh, was killed in the firing, while a Punjab Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) sustained serious injuries while responding to the incident.
According to ACP Ravinder Pal Singh, the two groups involved in the clash were previously close friends. The dispute involved two brothers on each side and reportedly stemmed from a transaction involving approximately 1,400 grams of gold.
The conflict had been ongoing for some time, with Pratap Singh and the opposing party allegedly involved in a disagreement over the return of the gold. The matter reportedly remained unresolved despite several attempts by prominent people from the area to bring both sides to a compromise.
On Diwali night, tensions escalated when the two groups came face-to-face again, leading to a heated argument. Following the confrontation, one of the parties approached the police and lodged a complaint.
After receiving information, an ASI, accompanied by a police team and Senior Constable Sahib Singh, reached the spot to handle the situation and investigate the matter.
However, the situation turned violent when a youth from one of the groups allegedly opened fire as the police team arrived. During the firing, Pratap Singh sustained a bullet injury. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
The ASI was also injured during the incident while attempting to apprehend the accused. According to the ACP, the police team that reached the location was also attacked during the confrontation.
Following the incident, additional police personnel were deployed in the area to bring the situation under control. The injured ASI was admitted to a nearby hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.
Meanwhile, police have taken possession of Pratap Singh's body and sent it for a post-mortem examination.
ACP Ravinder Pal Singh confirmed that a case has been registered under sections related to murder and attempted murder. Police teams are conducting raids at multiple locations to arrest the accused, who fled after the firing.
The investigation is underway to establish the complete sequence of events and identify the individuals involved in the shooting.
