A business dispute over a gold transaction turned deadly in Punjab's Amritsar on Diwali night, leaving a 35-year-old goldsmith dead and a police officer injured in a shooting incident. The incident took place near Ranjhe Di Haveli on Sultanwind Road, triggering panic in the locality as several rounds of bullets were fired.
The deceased has been identified as Pratap Singh. The injured police officer, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Harnek Singh, is posted at the B Division Police Station. He sustained bullet injuries to his leg while attempting to intervene in the confrontation. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment, and his condition was later reported to be stable.
According to preliminary investigations, the violence stemmed from a longstanding financial dispute between two goldsmith families who were previously on friendly terms. The disagreement reportedly involved approximately 1,400 grams of gold. Both sides had allegedly accused each other of dishonesty and failing to return the gold involved in the transaction.
The dispute had reportedly continued for several weeks, with attempts by local residents and community elders to resolve the matter proving unsuccessful. Tensions escalated once again on Diwali night when members of the two families confronted each other.
Police said Pratap Singh and his brother Bikram Singh had recently approached the authorities, alleging that members of the rival group had threatened them with death. Following their complaint, a police team was sent to speak with the brothers and look into the matter.
However, the situation took a violent turn when members of the rival group arrived at the location. According to the police account, Dilbag Singh allegedly pulled out a .45-calibre pistol and opened fire, hitting Pratap Singh in the chest. He later succumbed to his injuries.
When police personnel attempted to overpower the shooter, another accused, identified as Ranjit Singh, allegedly opened fire with a .32-calibre pistol. ASI Harnek Singh was struck by bullets during the exchange of fire.
The incident also left other individuals injured during the confrontation. Police subsequently arrested the two alleged shooters and seized the firearms and ammunition used in the incident.
Senior police officials reached the spot and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The deceased's body was sent for post-mortem examination, while investigators began examining the financial dispute and the sequence of events that led to the violence.
The incident has raised concerns over the escalation of personal and commercial disputes into armed confrontations, particularly during public celebrations.
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