Kashipur – Police have taken into custody Sandeep Singh, also known as Sona, who was a close childhood companion of the late Deputy Block Chief Hardeep Singh, along with his wife Sandeep Kaur, for their alleged role in Hardeep’s killing. Investigators say the murder stemmed from a protracted financial clash amounting to roughly ₹30 lakh.
SSP Ajay Ganpati disclosed on Tuesday that on September 13, a resident of Gulzarpur named Rajvinder Kaur filed a FIR reporting that her son, Hardeep Singh, had been shot. Early investigative work uncovered a monetary disagreement, prompting police to focus on Sandeep.
According to the probe, the evening began with Hardeep and Sandeep sharing dinner and drinks at a roadside dhaba. The pair later moved to Sandeep’s house, where they allegedly consumed illicit liquor. An argument over the pending sum erupted, and police allege Sandeep seized Hardeep’s licensed pistol—left on the table—and discharged seven rounds. Two bullets struck Hardeep in the abdomen, and he later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical care.
The enquiry revealed that Sandeep owed Hardeep about ₹30 lakh. In addition, Hardeep had previously bought a second‑hand bulldozer worth roughly ₹8 lakh in Sandeep’s name. Sandeep, a farmer who cultivates around 15 acres, and Hardeep had been friends since childhood.
After the shooting, Sandeep reportedly escorted the wounded Hardeep to the nearest hospital and informed his family of the incident, a move police believe was intended to mislead investigators and deflect suspicion.
Authorities also claim that Sandeep’s wife, Sandeep Kaur, attempted to tamper with the crime scene by cleaning bloodstains from the room, leading to her arrest. Investigators are also probing the involvement of Sandeep’s mother, who is said to have been present at the location when the tragedy unfolded.
Police have retrieved the licensed firearm and the spent cartridges believed to be used in the homicide, as well as the vehicle linked to the case. The operation was carried out by Kotwali Kunda SHO Dhirendra Kumar, Sub‑Inspectors Saurabh Kumar, Govind Mehta, Manoj Dev, Sonu Singh, Naveen Joshi, and Assistant Sub‑Inspector Ravish Ram.
