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Mistaken for cop, man killed by cow smugglers in Ambala

A 25-year-old man, Gurpreet Singh, was shot dead in Ambala after cow smugglers allegedly mistook him for a police officer. The incident occurred while police were pursuing smugglers, and the victim died at a civil hospital; an FIR was filed and officials promised action.

Why It Matters

The event underscores the dangers associated with cow smuggling operations and the risk of misidentification during police patrols, prompting official responses and an investigation.

Timeline

2 Events

May 2: Hospital handling, FIR and police action

May 2, 2026

The body was handed over to Gurpreet's family after autopsy. Cabinet minister and local MLA Anil Vij reached the hospital and spoke with the relatives, directing SP Ajit Singh Shekhawat to nab the culprits at the earliest. The SP stated that four to five suspects were involved and that police teams had been formed to catch them. He explained the firing occurred after a PCR patrol observed a speeding pickup truck, and the victim, approaching from the opposite direction, was mistaken for a police official. An FIR was registered under the relevant section of the BNS.

Incident: Man shot by cow smugglers who mistook him for a police officer

May 1, 2026

Around 2:00 a.m. on Friday night near Tundla village, Gurpreet Singh, 25, alias Happy, returning home after a night shift with a friend, was shot when a police team on patrol confronted cow smugglers. The smugglers allegedly mistook Gurpreet for a police official approaching from the opposite direction and opened fire. Gurpreet was taken to Ambala Cantonment civil hospital, where he was declared dead; the body was handed over to his family after autopsy.