Tarn Taran, Punjab:
A shocking incident unfolded at a law college in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district on Monday when a first-year student was allegedly shot dead by a fellow classmate inside a classroom, before the accused turned the weapon on himself. The incident has sent waves of fear and disbelief across the academic community and the wider region, raising serious concerns over campus safety and youth violence.
According to preliminary police information, the accused student, identified as Prince Raj, entered a classroom at the law college located in Usma village before classes had formally begun for the day. Without any immediate provocation or altercation, he allegedly opened fire on fellow student Sandeep Kaur, shooting her in the head at close range. She died on the spot, leaving students and faculty in a state of shock and panic.
Immediately after the attack, Raj reportedly used the same pistol to shoot himself inside the classroom. He collapsed on the spot and was rushed to a nearby hospital in a critical condition. Medical teams are currently providing emergency treatment, and his condition is being closely monitored.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Jagbir Singh confirmed the incident and stated that the sequence of events occurred within minutes, leaving little time for any intervention. He said that both students were in their first year of studies at the law college and that the class had not yet commenced when the incident took place, indicating that the classroom was not fully occupied at the time.
Police officials have stated that the motive behind the shooting is still unclear. No prior complaint, threat, or documented dispute between the two students has yet been officially confirmed. Investigators are examining multiple angles, including personal relationships, psychological stress, academic pressure, and possible external influences. The weapon used in the incident has been recovered, and forensic teams are examining it as part of the investigation.
The police have registered a case and initiated a detailed inquiry, including the recording of statements from students, teachers, college staff, and family members of both individuals. CCTV footage from the campus and surrounding areas is also being reviewed to reconstruct the sequence of events and understand how the weapon was brought onto the college premises.
The incident has sparked serious concern about security arrangements in educational institutions, particularly the ease with which a firearm could be carried into a college campus. Parents and local residents have expressed anger and fear, questioning the safety of students and the absence of effective preventive mechanisms in such institutions.
College authorities have suspended academic activities for the day and extended support to students and staff affected by the tragedy. Counseling support is also being considered for students who witnessed the incident or were psychologically impacted by the violence.
As investigations continue, the tragedy in Tarn Taran stands as a grim reminder of the growing challenges related to youth mental health, campus security, and access to weapons. The case has not only devastated two families but has also shaken public confidence in the safety of educational institutions, prompting urgent calls for systemic reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.
