Punjab: Chemist shoots drug officer dead, kills self, CM orders immediate investigation

The Punjab government’s Drug and Food Chemical Laboratory’s woman officer was shot dead by a chemist at her office in Kharar on Friday following which the accused killed himself as well.

The accused has been identified as Balwinder Singh, a resident of Morinda, whose chemist shop’s licence was cancelled a few years ago. The 38-year-old Neha Shorie, posted as zonal licensing authority of the lab was shot dead by him.

The police officials in its statement said, “The accused went to the victim’s office and fired two rounds. Thereafter, he tried to run away but was nabbed, he then shot himself.”

The local police team reached the spot immediately and took the accused into custody, the statement added. He was shifted for treatment at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research where he later died.

The accused had a chemist shop which was closed a few years ago after recovering intoxicants during a raid conducted by the victim officer following which his licence was cancelled.

The police have registered a case under Section 302 of the IPC and under the Arms Act against the accused and investigation was underway, said Bhagwant Singh Riar, the SHO of Kharar City police station.

Punjab Director General of police has been directed by the Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to ensure speedy inquiry into the murder of Neha Shorie. He ordered an immediate investigation into the matter and said no one would be allowed to interfere or intimidate any public servant in the discharge of their duties.