Chandigarh: A head constable posted in the Accounts Branch of the Chandigarh Police was shot dead at his residence in Sector 22 early on Friday, police said, and investigators have detained his son for questioning as forensic teams comb the crime scene.
Police respond; weapon recovered
Police from Sector 17 Police Station reached the house at House No. 662 after the incident was reported and launched an inquiry. A country-made pistol was recovered from the scene and sent for forensic examination, officials said.
Authorities said the deceased has been identified as Nitin, a head constable attached to the Accounts Branch. The exact motive and sequence of events remained under investigation, and officers said they were scrutinising witness accounts and technical evidence to establish what took place.
Son taken into custody; previous case under scrutiny
Investigators have taken Nitin’s son, Armaan, in for questioning. Police are examining his background after learning that he was earlier arrested in a case alleging that he had run over several people with his Thar SUV; he was subsequently released on bail. Officials said they are probing whether there is any link between that earlier case and the current homicide.
"Investigators are examining statements and other aspects of the case," police said, adding that the motive behind the killing and the exact sequence of events will become clearer as inquiries progress.
Wife’s account and on-scene reconstruction
According to the deceased officer’s wife, Armaan returned to the house at about 4:30 am on Friday and hid inside a bathroom. She reported that shortly afterwards another young man entered the residence, shot Nitin and fled. Police said they were verifying her account alongside other lines of inquiry.
Officers have secured the crime scene and forensic teams are collecting physical evidence. Statements are being recorded from individuals linked to the matter, and the firearm recovered is being examined for ballistic matches and fingerprints.
What police are investigating
- Whether the firearm recovered was used in the killing.
- The credibility and corroboration of the wife’s statement describing two people in the house.
- Any connection between Armaan’s earlier case involving his SUV and the present murder.
Timeline (as reported to police)
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Around 4:30 am | Armaan reportedly entered the house and hid in a bathroom, according to the wife |
| Shortly afterwards | Another young man entered, shot Nitin and fled; exact timing under verification |
| After report | Sector 17 police reached the scene; pistol recovered and forensic examination initiated |
Investigation status and next steps
Police said enquiries are ongoing. Forensic analysis of the weapon and any recovered traces will be central to determining whether the firearm was discharged inside the house and to linking the shooter. Detectives are also checking digital records, call logs and CCTV footage in and around Sector 22 to trace the movements of the people involved.
The public has been asked to share any information or footage that might assist investigators. Officials declined to comment on whether a formal charge had been framed against any person at this stage, saying the probe was in its initial phase.
The killing of a serving police official has prompted immediate action by the Chandigarh Police, who have said they will pursue all leads to establish motive and identify the perpetrator(s). Further updates are likely as forensic results and witness statements are analysed.
