Soil Dumping Row Turns Violent; FIR Filed Under Attempt to Murder Charges
In a dramatic escalation of a land-related dispute in Jalandhar’s upscale Baradari area, an FIR has been filed against senior IAS officer Babita Kaler, her husband and AAP leader Stephen Kaler, and their Personal Security Officer (PSO) Sukhkaran Singh.
The case stems from a shooting incident on Saturday morning near PIMS Hospital, where Harpreet Singh, brother of a nearby plot owner, was shot in the leg during a confrontation.
FIR Filed Under Attempt to Murder & Arms Act Violations
The complaint, lodged late Saturday night at Police Station Division No. 7, includes grave charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, specifically:
Section 109 – Attempt to murder
Section 115(2) – Voluntarily causing hurt
Section 61(2) – Criminal conspiracy
Relevant provisions under the Arms Act
Police have arrested PSO Sukhkaran Singh and seized the government-issued weapon allegedly used in the shooting.
Dispute Over Soil Dumping Sparked the Violence
The altercation reportedly began over soil dumping on a plot adjacent to the Kaler residence. What began as a verbal argument quickly turned physical, culminating in PSO Sukhkaran Singh allegedly opening fire, injuring Harpreet Singh.
According to local sources, the confrontation escalated in a matter of minutes, drawing attention to the misuse of official security personnel and firearms in personal land disputes.
Statements from Authorities & Accused
Stephen Kaler claims he merely spoke to the individuals dumping soil and returned to his residence. He alleges the PSO fired in self-defence after facing verbal abuse and physical threats.
ADC Harinder Singh Gill stated that the investigation will examine whether the firing was indeed self-defence or influenced by higher authority.
Investigation Underway: Notices & Remand
Police are preparing to issue formal notices to Babita and Stephen Kaler, asking them to join the investigation. The PSO’s suspension has also been recommended.
Sukhkaran Singh will be produced before a local court for police remand, as the probe continues into the exact sequence of events, possible motive, and the Kalers’ level of involvement in the shooting.
The case has sparked debate over the role of security forces in civilian matters and potential abuse of power by public officials.
