Kashipur – Police have taken into custody Sandeep Singh, also known as Sona, who grew up alongside the late Deputy Block Chief Hardeep Singh, together with his wife, Sandeep Kaur. Investigators say the homicide stemmed from a protracted monetary dispute estimated at around ₹30 lakh.
On Tuesday, SSP Ajay Ganpati disclosed that a complaint was filed on 13 September by Rajvinder Kaur of Gulzarpur, who reported that her son, Hardeep Singh, had been shot. Early investigative work uncovered a financial disagreement that pointed to Sandeep as a prime suspect.
According to the police narrative, the evening began with Hardeep and Sandeep sharing a meal and drinks at a roadside dhaba. The duo later retreated to Sandeep’s residence, where they allegedly consumed illicit liquor. An argument over money escalated, and Sandeep is accused of seizing Hardeep’s licensed pistol—left on a table—and firing seven rounds. Two bullets struck Hardeep in the abdomen, and he later died despite medical intervention.
The probe revealed that Sandeep owed Hardeep roughly ₹30 lakh. Additionally, Hardeep had recently purchased a second‑hand bulldozer, valued at about ₹8 lakh, in Sandeep’s name. Sandeep, a farmer who cultivates approximately 15 acres, and Hardeep had been friends since childhood.
Police allege that after the shooting, Sandeep transported the wounded Hardeep to a hospital and informed his family, allegedly attempting to mislead investigators and deflect suspicion.
Investigators also claim that Sandeep’s wife, Sandeep Kaur, assisted in tampering with the crime scene by cleaning blood‑stained surfaces, leading to her arrest. Authorities are additionally probing the involvement of Sandeep’s mother, who was reportedly present at the location when the incident unfolded.
Law enforcement recovered the licensed firearm, the spent cartridges, and the vehicle used in the episode. The operation was conducted by Kotwali Kunda SHO Dhirendra Kumar, Sub‑Inspectors Saurabh Kumar, Govind Mehta, Manoj Dev, Sonu Singh, and Naveen Joshi, together with Assistant Sub‑Inspector Ravish Ram.
