A Punjab Police head constable was allegedly stabbed to death following a minor argument over the payment of a sandwich at an eatery in Patiala, police officials said on Wednesday.
Argument at eatery turns fatal
The victim, Head Constable Amandeep Singh, a resident of Nabha posted at the Civil Lines Police Station, was attacked on January 25 while he was off duty. Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma said Singh had gone to the eatery with his brother and was not in uniform at the time.
According to police, an argument broke out with a youth present at the shop over payment. Singh reportedly said they would pay after finishing the food, but the disagreement escalated into a scuffle.
Group assault after phone calls
During the altercation, the youth allegedly made phone calls, following which six to seven associates reached the spot. Police said Singh was stabbed twice from behind with a knife, leading to fatal injuries. His brother was also seriously injured in the attack.
Six accused held, including juveniles
Patiala police said all six accused — Ashi, Hira, Rahul, Kaif, Ricky and two juveniles — were apprehended within 36 hours of the incident. Officials clarified that the dispute initially involved Ricky, who later summoned the others.
Three of the accused already have criminal cases registered against them, including theft and other offences. After the crime, the accused fled Nabha and took shelter in another district but were arrested through coordinated inter-district operations, with some arrests made from Ludhiana.
‘Heat of the moment’ crime, says SSP
SSP Sharma said the accused were local miscreants and not linked to any organised gang. “This was a crime committed in the heat of the moment over a very small issue,” he said.
He added that since the launch of anti-gangster operations, Patiala police have arrested over 150 criminals involved in serious crimes, stressing that “no criminal can escape the law.”