Punjab MLA dies from gunshot wound to head

Chandigarh: Punjab MLA Gurpreet Gogi, 58, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head at his residence in Ludhiana’s Ghumar Mandi late Friday night. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, with authorities investigating whether it was a case of accidental fire or suicide.

Ludhiana Police Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal stated, “The MLA received a gunshot injury to his head. The autopsy report will provide more details. It is being verified whether it was a suicide or an accidental discharge.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) Shubham Aggarwal added, “Prima facie, it appears to have been an accidental fire while he was cleaning his 25-bore pistol.”

Gogi was rushed to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

A first-time Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Ludhiana West, Gogi had a previously been associated with the Congress, serving as a four-time councillor and district president of Ludhiana Congress (Urban). Disillusioned with the party, he joined AAP ahead of the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, where he won by over 7,000 votes, defeating two-time Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu.

Earlier on Friday, Gogi had been actively engaged in community work. He met Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal to discuss cleaning the Buddha Nullah and visited a temple in BRS Nagar to address a theft case.

A businessman with interests in private hostels, a gun house, and a taxi service, Gogi was also a collector of antiques, including vintage cars, firearms, coins, and books.

Gogi is survived by his wife, Sukhchain Bassi, who recently contested but lost the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation elections. Further details on the case are awaited as the police continue their investigation.