In a shocking escalation of violence, the Ludhiana Rural police have arrested five additional suspects connected to the brazen daylight murder of a former kabaddi player. The killing, which occurred in a village field, was followed by the alleged perpetrators taunting the grieving family.
Chilling Details of the Attack and Aftermath
Gagandeep Singh, a 36-year-old former kabaddi player, was shot dead on Monday in the fields of Manuke village. The police investigation reveals that the murder was a retaliatory act stemming from a dispute at a village meeting two weeks prior, where Gagandeep had stood up for a friend.
The victim's family, including his brother Pargat Singh and parents, recounted a horrifying scene. According to their statements, shortly after the shooting, an armed group entered their street to announce the killing. The family claims the assailants told them, "They came to our street and told us they had killed him. They told us to go and lift his body from the fields." This act of intimidation has added a layer of cruelty to the crime.
Root of the Enmity: A New Year's Eve Altercation
Investigating officers trace the motive back to a grudge formed after a New Year's Eve altercation on December 31. The victim's mother, Gurmeet Kaur, stated that the primary suspect, Gursewak Singh Mota, had allegedly attacked Gagandeep's friend with a kirpan. Gagandeep's intervention during a subsequent village panchayat meeting, where he questioned Mota's harassment of the family, is believed to have marked him for death.
Police Investigation and Latest Arrests
Senior Superintendent of Police (Ludhiana Rural) Ankur Gupta confirmed the latest developments. While one alleged shooter, Gurdeep Singh, was apprehended on the day of the crime, the five new arrests—including one woman—target those who provided logistical support and a getaway vehicle. This brings the total number of people in custody to six.
Police have seized the getaway car used in the crime. However, the alleged mastermind, Gursewak Singh Mota, remains at large. Special police teams are conducting raids across the region to locate the remaining seven to eight unidentified accomplices.
Kuldeep Singh, SHO of Hathur police station, expressed confidence, stating, "We have clear leads. The main accused will be behind bars soon." The victim's family cremated Gagandeep on Wednesday afternoon. While they expressed current satisfaction with the police progress, they have demanded the swift arrest of the remaining gunmen.
