Three Indian Nationals Under Investigation in Italy for Sikh Gurdwara Double Homicide
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the Indian diaspora in Europe, three Indian nationals are currently under investigation in Italy for the brutal murder of two Indian Sikh men outside a gurdwara in Bergamo. The tragic event, which occurred last Friday, appears to have been triggered by a long-standing feud over succession plans for the management of the gurdwara, highlighting internal conflicts within the community.
Surrender and Investigation Details
On the evening of April 18, two Indian nationals voluntarily handed themselves in to the Bergamo Provincial Command of the Carabinieri, Italy's military police. They were accompanied by their lawyer, as confirmed by the carabinieri in statements to the media. Prosecutor Dr. Fabio Magnolo conducted questioning of the two men, who were subsequently released but remain under formal investigation for complicity in the double homicide.
According to reports from the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the individuals are identified as Sukhjinder Singh, commonly known as "Kala," and Yovanpreet Singh Dhillon. Both reside in Antegnate, a location also linked to the primary suspect, who is still at large and has been identified as another Indian national. The carabinieri have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on apprehending the fugitive suspect.
Victims and the Tragic Incident
The victims, Rajinder Singh, aged 47 from Covo, and Gurmit Singh, aged 48 from Agnadello, were both Indian nationals hailing from Punjab and fathers of three children. They were gunned down in a cold-blooded attack at approximately 11:50 PM local time on April 17, just outside the gates of Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji in Covo, Bergamo.
Eyewitness accounts describe a harrowing scene where the gunman, who was known to worship at the gurdwara, bent down to touch the ground before pulling out a pistol and firing around a dozen bullets. He first targeted Rajinder Singh and then turned his weapon on Gurmit Singh, killing both men instantly. At the time of the shooting, the two victims were reportedly discussing plans for the upcoming Vaisakhi festival celebration, which has since been cancelled in the wake of the tragedy.
Following the attack, the assailant quickly fled the scene in a BMW vehicle, accompanied by another car carrying additional Indian men. The swift escape has complicated the investigation, with authorities working to trace the vehicles and identify all individuals involved.
Background of the Feud and Victims' Lives
Rajinder Singh, a farmer who owned a fruit and vegetable shop, had previously served as the president of the gurdwara. He stepped down from this position at the end of last year and was embroiled in a dispute with a rival faction based in Antegnate over control and management of the temple. This conflict is believed to be a key motive behind the murder.
Rajinder leaves behind his widow, Pawandeep, aged 40, and three sons aged 17, 15, and 3. In a heartbreaking revelation, his elder sons disclosed that their father had been threatened with a gun near the gurdwara last November by the same individual allegedly responsible for his murder. Rajinder had filed a formal police complaint at that time, indicating prior tensions and threats that tragically escalated to violence.
Gurmit Singh, who worked for a meat-processing company and held no official position in the gurdwara, is survived by two sons aged 25 and 27, and a 26-year-old daughter who resides in India. His involvement in the dispute appears to have been incidental, as he was merely present during the discussion with Rajinder when the attack occurred.
Ongoing Legal and Medical Procedures
The autopsies for both victims are scheduled for Thursday, which will provide further insights into the exact circumstances of their deaths and aid the investigation. The carabinieri are continuing their probe, with a focus on gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and tracking down the main suspect who remains at large.
This incident underscores the severe consequences of internal community conflicts and has raised concerns about safety and governance within diaspora institutions. As the investigation progresses, the Indian community in Italy and beyond awaits justice for the victims and their grieving families.
