AAP Gurdaspur candidate’s gunman goes on shooting spree, none hurt

The commando reportedly fired 16 rounds from his SLR but was controlled by his colleagues who handed him over to the police. Area residents thought the firing was part of an army activity as the area is near army units.

A commando deputed for the security of AAP Gurdaspur candidate, Maj Gen S K Khajuria (retd), went on a shooting spree early Thursday morning, damaging some vehicles and houses. Though no one was hurt, the firing spread panic near the candidate’s house in Victoria Estate on the outskirts of Pathankot.

Doctors conducting medical examination of the commando who fired several rounds early Thursday on the outskirts of Pathankot. (HT Photo)

The commando, Lakhwinder Singh, from the 2nd Commando Battalion of the Punjab Police based at Bahdurgarh in Patiala district, was attached with the AAP candidate soon after he was given ticket by the party. Sources in the police say he fired at glass windows of houses and vehicles.

Shots fired by the commando hit a number of glass panes in the vicinity.

The commando reportedly fired nearly 16 rounds from his SLR before he was overpowered by his colleagues, who handed him over to the Shahpur Kandi police. Nearly 12 rounds were found in his weapon.

The police have booked him under Section 336 of the IPC (endangering life and personal security of others) under the Arms Act.

Maninder Singh, a resident of the colony, said he woke up to the sound of gunshots and saw broken glasses. “The flying bullets that shattered the windows of some houses could have killed people, but fortunately everybody in the locality is safe,” said Singh.

Maj Gen Khajuria, who was getting ready to file his papers today, said he was stunned at the cop’s behavior, and would await police action in the matter.