DSP Baljinder Singh Sandhu of the Punjab police on Monday shot himself dead during a protest inside Patiala University’s Jaitu regional centre. While the reason behind Sandhu alleged suicide is still unknown, his last words before pulling the trigger of the gun were “Should I shoot myself?,” according to The Indian Express. The 50-year-old Punjab cop on January 29 shot himself in the head with his service revolver during a students’ protest. Police claimed Sandhu took the extreme step as he was “hurt” over the agitators questioning his integrity. The bullet that pierced through Baljinder Singh Sandhu’s head, hit his gunman in the eye, injuring him critically. The gunman on Tuesday succumbed to his injuries.

A student, who was in the University when the incident happened, said Gurjinder Vidhyarthi from Inquilab Vidhyarti Naujawan Manch, was giving a speech when another student group walked into the arena. “Someone from another group called out to Gurjinder and said ‘we will shoot you’. Gurjinder said ‘how can you shoot me?’ Then another student said those policemen who fail to serve justice should be shot. Seeing chaos prevailing, DSP sir got frustrated and asked, ‘should I shoot myself?’ A voice from behind yelled ‘yes shoot yourself’ and in no time we heard a gunshot,” the student was quoted as saying.

As soon as the DSP shot himself, students, including the union leaders fled from the area. Sumanpreet Kaur from Barnala while recalling the incident said, “The students who were actually arguing with DSP fled and police failed to arrest them. We had just come to join the agitation against moral policing and were manhandled by protesters who turned violent. I also got injured and was taken into custody. We just heard a gunshot amid the slogans.”

Faridkot SSP Nanak Singh while talking about the incident said, “A group of protesting students questioned the integrity of the DSP. He took it upon himself and pointed his weapon towards his head and fired a shot.”

DSP Sandhu was rushed to Guru Gobind Singh Medical Hospital in Faridkot where he was declared brought dead. The SSP said a case of suicide was registered. The DSP, who belonged to Patiala, is survived by his wife and 21-year-old son. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh termed the incident as unfortunate and assured that a thorough probe will be carried out.