Road rage turns deadly in Punjab’s Batala, one killed and two injured in gunfight

3 min readBatalaUpdated: Jun 5, 2026 09:12 PM IST

Deep Inder Singh, 35, a Nihang Sikh who ran a de-addiction centre in Shukrura village near Batala, was fatally shot. (Photo enhanced using AI)

A dispute over vehicle movement on a busy street at Batala in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district escalated into a deadly exchange of fire on Friday, leaving one man dead and two others injured, police said.

According to eyewitnesses, an argument broke out between occupants of a white Toyota Fortuner and the driver of another vehicle after a disagreement over right of way near the crowded Symbol Chowk. As bystanders attempted to intervene and defuse the situation, a young man travelling in the Fortuner allegedly pulled out a licensed pistol and fired two to three shots, witnesses said.

Deep Inder Singh, 35, also known as Deep Shukrura, a Nihang Sikh who ran a de-addiction centre in Shukrura village near Batala, then allegedly drew his licensed revolver and returned fire. According to eyewitness Jaspal Singh, one bullet struck a Fortuner occupant in the leg, while another hit a second person.

Witnesses said another occupant of the Fortuner then opened fire on Deep Inder Singh, fatally injuring him. After the shooting, the same individual allegedly attempted suicide by shooting himself.

Eyewitnesses further alleged that when the injured man fell to the ground, his companion climbed onto the fallen Nihang and fired two to three additional rounds at him.

Witnesses estimated that around 15 rounds were fired during the incident. Police said they have recovered nine to 10 spent cartridges from the scene so far.

The injured have been identified as Jagjit Singh and his brother Kamalpreet Singh. Police said the two men travelling in the Fortuner belong to a family associated with a gun house in Batala.

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Senior Superintendent of Police Mahtab Singh said a case has been registered and an investigation is underway.

“Preliminary findings indicate that both sides used licensed firearms during the clash. Evidence has been collected from the scene and further legal proceedings are being initiated,” the SSP said.

The shooting, which occurred in broad daylight at the busy Symbol Chowk, left traders and local residents shaken and has renewed concerns over public safety in one of the town’s busiest commercial areas.

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Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts.

Core Beats & Specializations

Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions.

National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups.

Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur.

Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025)

His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies:

1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht

"Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015.

"YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies.

"As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications.

2. Crime & National Security

"Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison.

"Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border.

"15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions.

3. Political Analysis & Elections

"AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress.

"Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages.

"AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions.

4. Human Interest

"Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction.

"Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo.

Signature Beat

Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect.

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Punjab

road rage