Ludhiana: Investigation into the death of 20-year-old undergraduate student Pankaj Kumar has taken a grim turn, as police revealed he was shot dead by a close friend following a drunken altercation. What was initially suspected by the Haibowal police to be an accidental gunshot injury has now been classified as murder. The incident occurred at the residence of the main accused, Varun, a financer, where a social gathering turned into a fatal confrontation.Ludhiana police commissioner Swapan Sharma confirmed that the victim and the accused were consuming alcohol together in Laxmi Nagar when a dispute broke out. In a state of intoxication, Varun allegedly used his licensed firearm—which he had obtained just recently in December 2025—to shoot Pankaj. The bullet struck the youngster in the neck, causing him to die instantly at the spot. While the shooting has been established, the specific motive behind the heated argument remains under investigation.The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday after Pankaj left his home to meet friends. At approximately 10 pm, his father, Manoj Kumar, received a call from an acquaintance, Vinayak Jain, informing him to reach DMC Hospital due to Pankaj’s supposed “accident.” Upon arrival, Manoj discovered the horrific reality that his son had succumbed to a gunshot wound rather than accident-related injuries.Gun Seized, Suspects At LargeFollowing Manoj Kumar’s formal statement, the police have registered a murder case naming several individuals. Along with the primary accused, Varun, the FIR includes his brother Kaif, their relatives Garry and Avi of Pritam Nagar, and a friend, Nishant of Durgapuri. While the police have confirmed the weapon used was Varun’s licensed gun, a manhunt is currently underway to track down the accused who fled the scene.
