Barnala Property Dispute Escalates into Fatal Tractor Attack
In a shocking incident that has rattled the quiet community of Badbar village in Barnala district, a long-standing family dispute over money and property culminated in a deadly act of violence on Thursday. According to police reports, 43-year-old Sukhwinder Singh allegedly used his tractor as a weapon to kill his 48-year-old elder brother, Manjinder Singh, in a brutal attack that also left a domestic helper seriously injured.
Background of the Fraternal Feud
The two brothers, who resided in adjoining houses separated only by a boundary wall following a property division, had been embroiled in a financial conflict. Sources indicate that Sukhwinder owed a significant sum of Rs 70,000 to Manjinder, a debt that had become a point of intense contention between them.
Paramjit Kaur, the wife of the deceased Manjinder Singh, provided crucial testimony to authorities. She revealed that on Wednesday, her husband had confronted Sukhwinder about the outstanding payment. The younger brother not only refused to settle the debt but reportedly issued threats against Manjinder's life, setting the stage for Thursday's tragic events.
The Fatal Morning Encounter
On Thursday morning, as Manjinder Singh prepared to leave his home with his domestic helper, Surinder Singh, on a motorcycle, Paramjit Kaur observed Sukhwinder following them closely on his tractor. What happened next was nothing short of horrifying.
According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations, Sukhwinder deliberately rammed his tractor into the rear of the motorcycle, causing both riders to be thrown violently to the ground. In a particularly cruel twist, the accused then reportedly struck the fallen victims again with the tractor before fleeing the scene, leaving behind a scene of devastation.
Aftermath and Police Response
Both injured men were rushed to the civil hospital in Dhanaula, where medical professionals pronounced Manjinder Singh dead on arrival. Surinder Singh sustained serious injuries but is reportedly in stable condition. The tragedy has left the family shattered, with the deceased's son currently residing in Canada, adding another layer of heartbreak to this already distressing situation.
Barnala sub-division DSP Satbir Singh confirmed that the primary motive behind the attack was the ongoing monetary dispute between the brothers. "Both brothers had a money dispute owing to which the younger killed the elder sibling," stated DSP Singh, highlighting how a financial disagreement escalated into a fatal confrontation.
Law enforcement authorities have registered a case against Sukhwinder Singh under Section 103(1) for murder and Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempted murder. A manhunt is currently underway as police intensify their efforts to apprehend the accused, who remains at large following the incident.
This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of how unresolved family disputes, particularly those involving money and property, can sometimes spiral into unimaginable violence, leaving communities to grapple with the consequences long after the initial incident.
