Jagraon: The main accused in the firing incident at Gurdwara Manji Sahib in Rajoana Kalan, near Jagraon, died a day after his arrest, with the death reportedly taking place while he was in police custody.
The accused, identified as Raj Singh alias Raju, was arrested by Ludhiana Rural Police for allegedly opening fire inside the gurdwara. According to police sources, he had been suffering from a kidney ailment.
As per the available information, Raju’s health deteriorated on Monday night. He was initially taken to government and private hospitals in Sudhar before being referred to Global Heart Hospital in Ludhiana due to his critical condition. He later died at the hospital.
Police officials have not shared detailed information about the circumstances surrounding his death so far. His family members have reportedly been informed, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted in the presence of a magistrate and videographed.
What Was The Motive Behind The Gurdwara Firing?
Preliminary police investigation had indicated that the firing was allegedly carried out to blackmail the gurdwara’s head sewadar.
Raju, a resident of Noorpur Machhiwara village in Ferozepur district, was arrested on Monday. Police reportedly identified him as the main shooter using CCTV footage, technical evidence and intelligence inputs.
According to police, seven criminal cases had previously been registered against him at different police stations.
How Did The Firing At Gurdwara Manji Sahib Take Place?
The firing incident took place in the early hours of October 28, 2026. At around 3:10 am, two masked men arrived at Gurdwara Manji Sahib in Rajoana Kalan on a motorcycle.
Both allegedly entered the gurdwara premises, opened fire and fled from the spot.
Following the incident, a case was registered at Sudhar police station under FIR No. 165, dated October 28, under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Arms Act.
Investigators subsequently examined CCTV footage and gathered technical and intelligence inputs, leading to the arrest of Raju, whom police identified as the main shooter.
