Punjab Tragedy: NRI Dies After Pistol in Waistband Accidentally Discharges in Fazilka

Punjab: NRI dies after pistol in waist misfires in Fazilka district; CCTV footage emerges

In a shocking and tragic accident caught on camera, **Harwinder Singh**, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) who had recently returned to his ancestral village in Punjab, died after a **pistol tucked into his waistband accidentally discharged** as he stood up from a chair. The incident occurred in **Dhani Sucha Singh village, Fazilka district**, and has sent shockwaves through the local community .

According to police and eyewitness reports, the 40-year-old father of two was inside his home when the firearm—illegally carried without a visible holster—fired upon movement, striking him in the abdomen. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he succumbed to his injuries en route. The entire event was captured by a **home CCTV camera**, adding a chilling layer of detail to this preventable tragedy .

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NRI Dies Pistol Misfires Fazilka: The Tragic Sequence

On the afternoon of December 29, 2025, Harwinder Singh was seated in the courtyard of his family home, chatting with relatives. Having returned from abroad just days earlier, he was reportedly in high spirits, celebrating the holidays with loved ones .

Witnesses say that as he rose from his chair, the **unholstered pistol**—tucked loosely into the waistband of his track pants—shifted and discharged. The bullet struck him in the lower torso. “There was a loud bang, and he collapsed immediately,” a neighbor told local reporters .

Family members rushed him toward Fazilka Civil Hospital in a private vehicle, but he **bled to death before reaching medical care**. Police later confirmed the weapon was a licensed .32 caliber revolver, but it was being carried in a manner that violated basic firearm safety protocols .

Who Was Harwinder Singh? A Life Cut Short

Harwinder Singh, 40, had been living in Canada for over a decade, working in construction. He was known in his village as a generous and soft-spoken man who frequently sent money home to support his extended family. He is survived by his wife, two young children, and elderly parents .

Local leaders, including the village sarpanch and MLA of Fazilka, visited the bereaved family to offer condolences. “This is not just a personal loss—it’s a community tragedy,” said MLA Balwinder Singh. “We urge all gun owners to prioritize safety over showmanship.”

The Alarming Culture of Unsecured Firearms in Rural Punjab

While Punjab has strict gun control laws on paper, the reality on the ground is more complex. The state has one of India’s **highest civilian firearm ownership rates**, fueled by historical, cultural, and security-related factors .

However, a dangerous trend has emerged: **carrying pistols in waistbands without holsters**—often for “convenience” or as a status symbol. This practice, common among NRIs and local landowners, dramatically increases the risk of accidental discharge, especially during sudden movements .

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), **accidental gun deaths in Punjab have risen by 22% since 2020**, with most linked to improper storage or handling .

Under the Indian Arms Act, 1959, firearm licensees must adhere to strict safety guidelines. Key violations in this case likely include:

  • Carrying without a holster**: Increases risk of snagging or accidental trigger pull.
  • Storing loaded weapon on person**: Best practice is to carry unloaded unless in active threat scenario.
  • Failure to engage safety mechanisms**: Many licensed revolvers lack external safeties, demanding extra caution.

While Singh’s license was reportedly in order, the manner of carry may lead to posthumous penalties for the estate and stricter scrutiny of future license renewals for family members .

How CCTV Footage Is Shaping the Investigation

The home’s CCTV system captured the entire incident, providing **crucial evidence** that ruled out foul play. The footage shows Singh standing up normally—no struggle, no intruder—followed instantly by the gunshot and collapse .

Police have seized the recording as part of their inquiry, though they’ve confirmed it aligns with an **accidental discharge due to negligence**. The video, while not released publicly, has helped close the case swiftly and spare the family further trauma from speculation.

Preventable Tragedies: What This Case Reveals About Firearm Safety

Gun safety experts emphasize four fundamental rules—any one of which could have prevented this death:

  1. Treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
  2. Never point the muzzle at anything you’re not willing to destroy.
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
  4. Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.

Carrying a loaded pistol in a waistband violates at least two of these principles. For authoritative guidance, the Indian Armoury Association’s safety handbook offers clear protocols for licensed owners .

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call on Responsible Gun Ownership

The phrase “**NRI dies pistol misfires Fazilka**” is more than a headline—it’s a stark reminder that firearms demand respect, training, and discipline. Harwinder Singh’s death was not the result of malice, but of a momentary lapse in a culture where guns are often treated as accessories rather than lethal tools. As Punjab mourns, the hope is that this tragedy sparks a statewide conversation on **responsible ownership**, so no other family suffers a similar, senseless loss.

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