IRS officer shot dead in Chandigarh court by ex-cop father-in-law
An Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Harprit Singh, was shot dead in the district court complex in Sector 43, Chandigarh, on Saturday afternoon. The assailant was identified as his father-in-law, Malwinder Singh, a suspended assistant inspector general (AIG) of Punjab Police. The tragic event took place at the mediation center of the court complex during a session related to a marital dispute between Harprit and Malwinder's daughter, Dr. Amitoj Kaur.
Families came to court for mediation session
The families of the couple had shown up at the court for the fourth mediation session between Harprit and his wife. While the session was underday, Malwinder requested to use the washroom and asked Harprit to direct him there. On the way, Malwinder allegedly pulled out a revolver and fired shots at Harprit. Harprit's parents, along with several advocates, hurried him to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), where he was declared brought dead.
Details of the fatal shooting emerge
"Divorce proceedings were going on between the two parties since 2023. Both sides have previous litigation against each other in Mohali district. The matter was referred to the mediation centre, where the proceedings were being carried out by the court-appointed mediator," the police statement said. According to police reports, Malwinder fired three shots at Harprit from point-blank range. One of these bullets pierced Harprit's chest, causing his immediate death. The weapon used in this crime was recovered from the scene.
Assailant's background and immediate aftermath
Lawyers present at the scene detained Malwinder, locked him in a room, and informed police who promptly arrested him. Malwinder was booked by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on fraud and extortion charges while serving as AIG in the human rights cell of Punjab Police in November last year This had led to his suspension and subsequent retirement from service.
