Policeman shot dead while on duty at Pathankot check post, probe underway

August 5, 2025

Pathankot: A Punjab Police havildar was fatally shot while on duty at a checkpoint in Pathankot on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Balveer Pal Singh, a resident of Jalandhar and posted at the Chakki Pul Naka in Pathankot district.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred while Havildar Singh was reportedly cleaning his service rifle. A bullet was accidentally discharged, hitting him critically. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Senior police officials, including Inspector Mandeep Singh Salotra, in-charge of Police Station Division Number 2, reached the site immediately after the incident was reported. A probe is currently underway.

Inspector Salotra stated that while the initial investigation suggests an accidental firing, all angles are being examined. “We are analyzing the evidence recovered from the scene and recording eyewitness statements to establish the exact sequence of events,” he said.

The incident has sparked concern over safety protocols related to weapon handling within the force. Police have not yet confirmed whether standard operating procedures were being followed at the time of the shooting.

An autopsy is expected to be conducted, and a detailed forensic report will form a key part of the ongoing investigation.