CM’s cousin dies as rifle goes off

Jasbir Singh (an old photo)

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, April 19

Jasbir Singh, 69, cousin of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, was killed when a Mauser rifle went off accidentally while he was cleaning the weapon at his Badal village residence around 5.25 pm today.

Jasbir Singh, son of Parkash Singh Badal’s uncle, was alone in his bedroom when the incident occurred. His son Pawanpreet Singh “Bobby Badal” was meeting people outside at that time. Some domestic helps were also present in the house.

Sources said Jasbir was a jolly person. He was fond of pigeons and people used to call him “Jasbir Singh Kabootra Wala”. He is survived by a son, daughter (married at Ludhiana) and wife. His wife had gone to Chandigarh this morning, sources said.

Lambi police station SHO Gurpreet Singh said, “It was an accidental fire. He was cleaning his licensed 7.62 mm Mauser. The bullet pierced through the right side of his forehead, close to the eye. The police have collected samples from the spot.”

CM Parkash Singh Badal has cancelled all his engagements for tomorrow to attend the cremation, which will take place at 11 am. SAD chief-cum-Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal, his wife Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal have already reached Badal village.

Courtesy: The Tribune