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Punjab man dies after accidental firing from pistol kept in pocket

Punjab man dies after accidental firing from pistol kept in pocket

Bavana Guntha
January 1, 2026

A 32 year old man lost his life after his licensed pistol accidentally went off while it was kept in his pocket during a family celebration in Abohar town, police said on Wednesday.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at the residence of Harjinder Singh , whose father Darshan Singh was recently elected as a panchayat samiti member. Celebrations were underway at the house when the mishap took place.

According to police, Harjinder Singh was seated on a sofa and had a loaded pistol in his pocket. As he got up, the weapon accidentally discharged, and the bullet struck him. Family members and guests present at the spot immediately rushed him to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Police said the entire incident was captured on CCTV footage installed at the residence. The footage is being examined to establish the exact sequence of events and to determine whether any negligence was involved. After a post mortem examination, the body was handed over to the family for last rites. Officials confirmed that the pistol involved in the incident was licensed, and further legal action will be taken after the investigation.

The incident has also raised questions about why a private individual was carrying a firearm during a social gathering. While Indian law permits civilians to own licensed weapons for reasons such as personal security or property protection, there is no legal requirement to carry a firearm at all times. Carrying a loaded pistol inside a pocket during a family celebration points to poor judgment rather than necessity.

The tragedy has once again brought gun safety into sharp focus. Firearms are not meant to be carried loaded in crowded or celebratory settings and should be secured in proper holsters rather than loose pockets. Accidental discharges are largely preventable and often result from negligence, underlining that licensed gun ownership carries serious responsibility and that even a momentary lapse can lead to fatal consequences.