Baljinder Kaur, a 31-year-old contact centre employee from Fatehpur Jattan, was killed by an acquaintance, Sukhchain Singh (36), in Mohali this morning. The event has aroused controversy, raising concerns about the police’s treatment of earlier harassment allegations.
Baljinder, a resident of Fatehpur Jattan and a call centre employee, reportedly knew Sukhchain for the past four years. According to the police, Sukhchain had proposed to Baljinder, but she rejected him. This alleged rejection is believed to be the motive behind the attack.
Horrific CCTV footage shows Sukhchain waiting for Baljinder near her office, his face concealed. When Baljinder disembarked from an auto-rickshaw with other women, Sukhchain attacked her with a kirpan (a curved sword). Baljinder attempted to flee, but Sukhchain overpowered her and inflicted multiple wounds on her head, neck, hands, and back.
Despite bystanders’ attempts to intervene, Sukhchain continued his assault until Baljinder fell unconscious. He then tried to escape, but food delivery personnel and a hospital employee apprehended him with the help of the police. A struggle ensued, during which Sukhchain reportedly injured a police officer. Both the suspect and the officer received medical treatment.
Tragically, Baljinder succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The police have arrested Sukhchain and recovered the murder weapon.
Adding another layer of tragedy, Raj Lali Gill, chairperson of the Punjab State Commission for Women, revealed that Sukhchain had allegedly attacked Baljinder eight months prior. The incident was reported to the police, but Sukhchain was released with a warning after the families involved reached an agreement through the village council.
Baljinder, the family’s main earner, is survived by a younger brother who lives in Italy plus a sister who is still studying
This terrible attack emphasizes the dangers of violence against women and the need for tougher penalties for stalkers and those who breach restraining orders.
