Lung surgery successful, say doctors a day after ex-Punjab IG Amar Singh Chahal attempted suicide: ‘next 48 hours crucial’

According to hospital sources, Chahal’s left lung was injured near the heart, causing severe internal damage. By the time he was brought to the hospital, he had already suffered blood loss of nearly two litres. During the course of treatment, around 10 units of blood were transfused to stabilise him. Doctors confirmed that the lung repair surgery was successful, but cautioned that recovery would depend on how his body responds.

Ashish Chaddha, CEO, Park Hospitals (North), said on Monday that the operation was carried out successfully by a team of specialists. “The surgery has been done by a team of doctors at Park Hospital, Patiala. The next 48 hours are crucial,” he stated.

Meanwhile, police sources said that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered so far in connection with the incident. Chahal had written two letters — a two-page letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and a 12-page handwritten letter to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

In his communication, the retired officer reportedly sought strict action against cyber criminals and the recovery of Rs 8.10 crore he lost to online fraud. According to the letter, around Rs 1 crore of the money belonged to him, while the remaining amount was borrowed from friends and relatives after he was allegedly lured by fraudsters posing as wealth management advisors.

The police said they are examining the contents of the letters and the allegations raised in it. However, they added that the immediate priority remains the survival and recovery of the former officer.

Chahal faced charges in the 2015 Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing incidents which were linked to protests over sacrilege cases.