Ludhiana: Accused in gurdwara firing case dies in hospital

Accused Raj Singh alias Raju, arrested in connection with the firing incident at the historic Gurdwara Sahib in village Rajoana Kalan, has passed away in the hospital. Ludhiana Rural Police was interrogating Raju, a resident of village Noorpur Machhiwara in Firozpur district, during his remand.

According to Sudhar Police Station SHO Ravinderpal Singh, Raju developed pain in his chest on Monday night and his blood pressure dropped suddenly. Personnel first took him to the local health center. Due to his critical condition, he was referred to Global Heart Hospital in the city, where he breathed his last.

Police stated that prima facie the cause of death appears to be a heart attack. Police officials clarified that the exact cause will be known only after the post-mortem examination is completed. The incident is being investigated in accordance with all legal norms.

This case dates back to October 28, when early in the morning, two armed youths fired multiple rounds towards Baba Baldev Singh's room. At that time, Baba Ji was bathing, due to which there was no loss of life.

Investigating agencies allege that money was being demanded from Baba Baldev Singh through phone numbers from foreign countries, and the act was committed due to non-payment of extortion. After checking cameras along the long route, the police had raided Firozpur and apprehended Raju.

Police have also nabbed two other persons from Gurdaspur linked to this case, who are being interrogated at the Sudhar police station.

Nothing has yet been proved in court.

Key developments

• Raj Singh, accused in the Rajoana Kalan gurdwara firing case, was on police remand
• Taken to a Ludhiana hospital due to drop in blood pressure and chest pain, where he died
• According to police, death is suspected to be due to a heart attack, to be confirmed after post-mortem
• Legal investigation into the case is underway by police, two other suspects also in custody