Khanna: Businessman dies by suicide inside Police Station; Four arrested
Babushahi Bureau
Khanna (Punjab), August 4, 2026: A pharmaceutical businessman from Ludhiana allegedly died by suicide after setting himself on fire inside a bathroom at the City-1 police station in Khanna on Monday. Police have arrested four people, including a self-styled godman, in connection with the case.
The deceased has been identified as Gobind Singh, a resident of Ishar Singh Nagar on Gill Road in Ludhiana. He reportedly ran a medical store and had been facing financial difficulties following prolonged business losses.
According to the police, Gobind Singh had approached Baba Charandas, a resident of Lalheri in Khanna, after being advised that the latter could help improve his financial situation. The businessman allegedly paid the self-styled godman ₹73,000 on the assurance that certain rituals would help remove his financial troubles and improve his business.
However, when his financial situation did not improve, Gobind Singh allegedly sought the return of his money. Police said Baba Charandas returned ₹20,000 but allegedly refused to repay the remaining ₹53,000.
The businessman allegedly continued to demand the outstanding amount, following which Baba Charandas and three of his associates allegedly threatened him with serious consequences.
Gobind Singh subsequently submitted a written complaint at the City-1 police station in Khanna. In the complaint, he reportedly stated that Baba Charandas and his associates should be held responsible if any harm came to him.
On Monday, police called both parties to the police station in connection with the complaint. Gobind Singh reached the police station, while the other party had not arrived.
Police said that during this period, Gobind Singh entered a bathroom at the police station, locked the door and allegedly poured petrol over himself before setting himself on fire. He died from his injuries.
The incident inside the police station caused alarm among police officials. Senior officers and the Tehsildar, acting as a magistrate, reached the spot and initiated an investigation.
Khanna DSP Vinod Kumar said that a case of abetment to suicide had been registered. Baba Charandas and his three associates — Makhan Singh, Jugraj Singh alias Jimmy and Inderpreet Singh alias Ishu — have been arrested.
Police said the matter is being investigated from all possible angles.