The Hoshiarpur police have stated that they have no information on why the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reportedly taken an interest in the Miani murder case and charged Tanda Station House Officer (SHO) Gurinderjit Singh Nagra with extortion. The police investigation into the murder of shopkeeper Balwinder Singh is almost complete, and authorities believe the accused may have approached the FBI to shield themselves from legal consequences in India.
Police Dismiss FBI Involvement as Unclear
Tanda Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Davinder Singh told The Tribune, "We do not know why the FBI has taken up this matter. It is possible that the accused approached the FBI with the intention of protecting themselves from the consequences of the murder case registered against them." The DSP emphasized that the local police have concrete evidence against the accused and that the investigation is nearly finished.
Details of the Miani Murder
The murder occurred on January 14 at Satkartar Hardware Shop in Miani. According to police, two of three unidentified youths who arrived on a motorcycle opened fire on shop owner Balwinder Singh and his friend Lakhwinder Singh. The attackers fired seven rounds. Balwinder Singh was hit in the chest and died on the spot, while Lakhwinder Singh suffered a gunshot injury to his shoulder and was seriously injured.
Soon after the incident, responsibility for the murder was claimed by gangsters Gurlal Dadiana and Gurdev Jassal through a post on social media. The post, allegedly uploaded from Gurlal Dadiana's social media account, claimed responsibility for the killing.
NRI Conspiracy and Arrests
DSP Davinder Singh said the police investigation revealed that three non-resident Indians (NRIs) were involved in the conspiracy. Those booked in the case include Gurlal Dadiana, Gurdev Jassal (who allegedly arranged and directed the shooters), and the deceased's relative Charanjeet Singh Channi, who is accused of giving the contract to kill.
The DSP confirmed that all three shooters have been arrested and are currently lodged in jail. Look Out Circulars (LOCs) have been issued against the three NRI accused living in the United States, while a Red Corner Notice (RCN) has been issued against Charanjeet Singh Channi.
Investigation Nearing Completion
"We have concrete evidence against the accused. The case is well-supported by evidence already on record, and the investigation is almost complete," the DSP said. The police are now awaiting further developments regarding the FBI's reported charges against the Tanda SHO, but maintain that their own probe is solid and independent of external agencies.
