By News Karnataka

Copyright newskarnataka

Mohali: In a shocking incident, a 45-year-old businessman from Mohali, Punjab, died by suicide inside an HDFC Bank branch after recording a video message accusing senior police officers and his business associates of harassment and financial pressure. The deceased, Rajdeep Singh, who ran an immigration business, allegedly shot himself in the toilet of the bank. His death has triggered outrage and led to the registration of a case against five individuals, including a senior police officer.

Businessman under debt pressure

According to police officials, Rajdeep Singh, originally from Moga and residing in a rented home in Sector 80, Mohali, had been struggling with mounting debts. On Tuesday, he went to the HDFC Bank branch in Sector 68, where he entered the washroom and fatally shot himself in the head with a firearm he was carrying. Before taking the extreme step, he recorded a video, in which he directly accused police officials and his business partners of forcing him into a financial trap.

In the video, Rajdeep is heard saying, “I have never done anything wrong. Where will I get it from? You have troubled me a lot. I will commit suicide. Okay, bye.”

Suicide note and video evidence recovered

The FIR states that before dying by suicide, Rajdeep messaged his wife, Chhavi, informing her that he had left something for her at a local dairy. Later, when she went there, she discovered his handwritten suicide note. In the note, Rajdeep apologised to his family, saying he was “left with no choice.” He also alleged that two of his business partners, Rinku Krishna and Saina Arora, owed him ₹40 lakh and had refused to return the money despite repeated requests.

Rajdeep’s father, Paramjeet Singh, lodged a complaint with the police, stating that Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Rishi Rana and another person had come to their house earlier that day and forcibly took Rajdeep away. Paramjeet alleged that his son was then taken to the residence of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Gurjot Singh Kaler, where he was humiliated, video recorded, and forced to seek loan approval at HDFC Bank.

Police officers and others named in FIR

Based on the complaint and evidence, Mohali police have registered a case against five people for conspiracy and abetment to suicide. The accused include AIG Gurjot Singh Kaler, ASI Rishi Rana, chartered accountant and real estate dealer Sunil Agarwal, caterer Rinku Krishna, and Ferozepur resident Saina Arora.

The FIR mentions that Rajdeep was under immense pressure from these individuals, who allegedly coerced him to arrange money through loans. It further claims that the accused not only harassed him but also threatened to falsely implicate his family members in a criminal case if he failed to comply.

Family’s allegations

Rajdeep’s father, in his complaint, provided further details of the alleged harassment. “They took my son to the house of the aforementioned Gurjot Singh Kaler. There, they humiliated my son, made a video of him, and forced him to get a loan approved in his name at HDFC Bank and demanded more money,” the complaint reads.

Paramjeet Singh has demanded strict action against those responsible for pushing his son to the point of no return. He has also urged the authorities to ensure justice for the family and protection for his daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

Investigation underway

Police sources have confirmed that all five accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy. The authorities are now scrutinising the video left behind by Rajdeep, along with his suicide note, to establish the sequence of events and the role of each accused.

Senior police officials have assured that the matter will be investigated thoroughly and impartially, given the involvement of senior personnel. Meanwhile, the case has sparked widespread debate about financial exploitation, misuse of power, and the vulnerability of small business owners facing debt crises.

The tragic death of Rajdeep Singh has highlighted the dark nexus of financial disputes, coercion, and alleged abuse of power. As the investigation progresses, the role of those named in the FIR will come under sharper scrutiny. For Rajdeep’s family, however, the loss remains irreparable, even as they hope for justice.