23 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Punjab was left in shock after two police personnel were brutally shot dead in Gurdaspur district, with a Pakistani-based gangster later sharing a chilling video of the हत्या, triggering massive outrage and security concerns. The incident, which occurred late at night, has raised serious questions about cross-border crime networks, internal security, and the safety of law enforcement officers in border districts.
According to senior police officials, the two policemen were ambushed by armed assailants while they were on duty. The attackers reportedly approached the officers at close range and shot them in the head, killing them instantly. The execution-style killing suggests careful planning and reconnaissance by the perpetrators.
The मामले took a more disturbing turn when a Pakistani don, believed to be operating from across the border, shared a video clip allegedly showing the murder. The video, circulated on social media platforms, shows the policemen being shot from point-blank range. Authorities have since moved swiftly to have the video taken down and are tracing its digital origin.
Cross-Border Gangster Angle Emerges
Investigators believe the crime has strong links to Pakistan-based organised crime syndicates that operate through local modules in Punjab. The gangster who shared the video is suspected to be part of a larger network involved in extortion, targeted killings, and arms smuggling along the Indo-Pak border.
Punjab Police officials said the sharing of the video was intended to spread fear and assert dominance. “This is psychological warfare. The objective is to intimidate law enforcement and glorify violence,” a senior officer said.
Security agencies are also probing whether the attack was retaliation for recent police action against criminal gangs in the region. Over the past few months, Punjab Police has intensified its crackdown on gangsters and terror-linked elements, particularly in border districts like Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Tarn Taran.
Massive Manhunt Launched
Following the killings, Punjab Police launched a massive manhunt to track down the shooters and their local handlers. Multiple teams have been formed, checkpoints intensified, and surveillance increased across the district. Border Security Force units have also been alerted due to the proximity of the area to the international border.
Forensic teams examined the crime scene, while CCTV footage from nearby areas is being scanned to trace the movement of the attackers. Officials confirmed that sophisticated weapons were used, indicating access to illegal arms possibly smuggled from across the border.
Political and Public Reaction
The killings have sparked strong reactions from political leaders and the public alike. Condolences poured in for the families of the slain policemen, with leaders demanding strict action against those responsible.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann termed the incident “an attack on the rule of law” and assured that the culprits would be brought to justice. “No criminal, sitting in Pakistan or elsewhere, will be spared,” he said in a statement.
Opposition parties criticised the state government over law and order, calling for tighter security measures and better protection for police personnel, especially in sensitive border areas.
Concerns Over Police Safety
The incident has reignited debate over the safety of policemen on ground duty. Police associations have demanded better equipment, intelligence support, and backup during patrols. Many officers pointed out that gangsters are increasingly using social media to threaten and target law enforcement.
Experts warn that the glorification of violence through videos poses a dangerous trend, particularly among young recruits into criminal networks. “This is not just a murder; it’s a message,” said a security analyst, stressing the need for coordinated intelligence-sharing between state and central agencies.
Investigation Continues
The Punjab Police, in coordination with central agencies, is now focusing on identifying the shooter, the local facilitators, and the digital trail of the video. Authorities are also examining possible terror links, given the cross-border involvement and the district’s strategic location.
Officials confirmed that strict action will be taken against anyone found sharing or promoting the video online. Cybercrime units have been tasked with monitoring social media to prevent further circulation.
A Grim Reminder
The brutal killing of the two policemen has cast a dark shadow over Punjab’s security landscape. As investigations continue, the incident stands as a grim reminder of the evolving challenges posed by organised crime and cross-border criminal networks.
The state remains on high alert, with authorities vowing swift justice and renewed efforts to dismantle gangster syndicates threatening peace and stability in the region.
Summary
Two policemen were shot dead in Gurdaspur in a planned attack. A Pakistani gangster shared the murder video online, prompting outrage, heightened security, and a massive manhunt.