Jalandhar: In a startling development, an FIR has been lodged against senior IAS officer Babita Kaler, her husband and AAP leader Stephen Kaler, and their personal security officer Sukhkaran Singh, following the shooting of a plot owner near PIMS Hospital in the posh Baradari locality of Jalandhar, Punjab.
The incident took place on Saturday morning, leading to Harpreet Singh, brother of the plot owner, sustaining a bullet injury to his leg. The case has raised serious questions about the use of government security personnel and firearms in civilian disputes.
FIR Filed Under Attempt to Murder & Arms Act Provisions
The FIR, registered late Saturday night at Police Station Division No. 7, includes serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)-
- Section 109 (Attempt to murder)
- Section 115 (2) (Voluntarily causing hurt)
- Section 61 (2) (Criminal conspiracy)
- Along with relevant sections of the Arms Act.
The police have also arrested PSO Sukhkaran Singh and seized the government-issued firearm used in the incident.
Soil Dumping Dispute Turned Violent
The conflict reportedly began over the dumping of soil on a plot adjacent to the Kaler residence. During an altercation, PSO Sukhkaran Singh allegedly opened fire, injuring Harpreet Singh. Sources claim the situation escalated quickly from a verbal argument to physical aggression.
Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Police Harinder Singh Gill confirmed that the investigation would explore whether the firing was in self-defence or under influence from higher authorities.
Statements & Arrests
According to Stephen Kaler, he only mediated the conversation with the individuals dumping soil and went inside the house. He alleges the PSO was provoked and fired in self-defence after being abused and physically threatened.
Meanwhile, the police are preparing to issue notices to Babita and Stephen Kaler to join the investigation. A recommendation for suspension of the PSO has also been sent to the department.
Next Steps in Investigation
Sukhkaran Singh will be presented in court soon for police remand, while authorities continue to probe the sequence of events, motive, and involvement of the Kalers in the incident.
