Punjab Cop Deployed for Extortion Threats Dies of Bullet Injury in Ludhiana

January 31, 2026

LUDHIANA, PUNJAB — A tragic incident in Mullanpur town of Ludhiana district has left the state police and local community in shock after a Punjab Police constable deployed for security outside a luxury car showroom died of a bullet injury on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The police officer was stationed there following extortion threats received by the showroom owner, and authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Security Deployment After Extortion Threats

The constable, identified as Anoosh Masih (25), had been part of a police team providing round‑the‑clock security outside the RAC Luxury Cars showroom in Mullanpur after the owner reported receiving threatening calls from a criminal element demanding extortion money. Local law enforcement had deployed four policemen on January 16 two at the showroom and two at the owner’s residence to ensure safety and deter any possible attack.

According to police sources, Masih, a resident of Lakhan Kalan village in Gurdaspur district, was sitting inside his vehicle outside the showroom on the morning of the incident alongside a colleague. At one point, Masih reportedly asked his colleague to fetch water. When the colleague stepped away, a bullet struck Masih in the neck, fatally injuring him. By the time his colleague returned, Masih was found lying face down on the seat, bleeding heavily an incident that quickly prompted urgent medical attention and police involvement.

Preliminary Investigation and Accidental Firing Theory

Police and forensic teams rushed to the scene following the report of gunfire. Initial findings from the preliminary investigation suggest that the fatal shot may have been **accidentally discharged from Masih’s own service weapon an AK‑47 rifle rather than coming from an external attack. Senior officers indicated that the bullet, after striking his neck, ultimately pierced his head, causing fatal injuries. Authorities are continuing to probe the sequence of events to confirm whether it was a lapse in handling or a mechanical malfunction of the service firearm.

The circumstances are being carefully examined, including the safety protocols followed during deployment and weapon custody. Police say that there is no immediate indication of an external attack, but the investigation remains open as law enforcement agencies analyse all possible angles.

Officer’s Background and Community Reaction

Anoosh Masih had recently joined the police force on compassionate grounds following the death of his father, making his untimely passing particularly tragic for his family and colleagues. News of his death has drawn condolences from across the police community and heightened scrutiny over security arrangements and risk management for officers deployed in high‑risk assignments.

The incident also comes against the backdrop of repeated complaints in Punjab about extortion threats and gang violence against businesses, particularly luxury showrooms and traders, with police regularly stepping up protective deployments for vulnerable targets.

Next Steps in the Probe

Authorities have said the investigation will include detailed forensic ballistics, interviews with the colleague present at the time of the incident, and a review of the circumstances under which the service weapon was handled. The Ludhiana police have pledged a thorough and transparent inquiry into Masih’s death, including any departmental and procedural lessons that may be learned to strengthen security practices for police personnel.