Kashipur. Police have taken into custody Sandeep Singh, also known as Sona, who grew up with the late Deputy Block Chief Hardeep Singh, along with his spouse, Sandeep Kaur. Investigators say the homicide stemmed from a protracted money dispute estimated at roughly ₹30 lakh.
Complaint and Initial Probe
On September 13, Rajvinder Kaur of Gulzarpur filed a police report after her son, Hardeep Singh, was shot. SSP Ajay Ganpati disclosed that early inquiries uncovered a financial quarrel, prompting suspicion toward Sandeep.
Sequence of Events on the Night of the Crime
According to the police narrative, Hardeep and Sandeep shared dinner and drinks at a dhaba before moving to Sandeep’s residence, where they allegedly consumed illicit liquor. An argument over money erupted, during which Sandeep is said to have seized Hardeep’s licensed pistol that lay on a table and discharged seven rounds. Two bullets struck Hardeep’s abdomen, and he later died despite medical treatment.
Underlying Financial Issues
The enquiry revealed that Sandeep owed Hardeep about ₹30 lakh. Additionally, Hardeep had purchased a second‑hand bulldozer worth roughly ₹8 lakh in Sandeep’s name. Sandeep, a farmer with around 15 acres, and Hardeep had been friends since childhood.
Aftermath and Attempts to Obscure the Crime
Police allege that after the shooting, Sandeep escorted the wounded Hardeep to a hospital and informed his family, ostensibly to mislead investigators and deflect suspicion. Meanwhile, Sandeep’s wife, Sandeep Kaur, is accused of tampering with the crime scene by cleaning blood‑stained areas, leading to her arrest. Authorities are also probing the involvement of Sandeep’s mother, who was reportedly present during the incident.
Evidence Recovered
Investigators have retrieved the licensed firearm, the spent cartridges, and the vehicle used in the episode. The operation was carried out by Kotwali Kunda SHO Dhirendra Kumar, Sub‑Inspectors Saurabh Kumar, Govind Mehta, Manoj Dev, Sonu Singh, Naveen Joshi, and Assistant Sub‑Inspector Ravish Ram.
