Painter turns on trusting family in Kapurthala
A house painter allegedly attacked, threatened, and locked an elderly couple in a room at their home in the upscale Sunny Side area on Mall Road in Kapurthala before fleeing with gold and diamond jewellery, cash, and important documents. The incident occurred on July 8 around 3 pm, according to police.
The accused, identified as Ranjit Singh, a resident of Rajapur village, had been carrying out painting work at the house for the past 20 days. The family reportedly knew him from previous assignments and trusted him enough to allow regular access to the residence.
Attack and confinement
Homeowner Pawan Kumar and his wife were resting when the accused entered their room armed with an iron rod. He snatched their mobile phones and repeatedly assaulted Pawan Kumar, causing serious injuries. When his wife tried to intervene and raised an alarm, the accused allegedly produced a revolver, pointed it at her head, and threatened to shoot her.
Investigators said the accused initially attempted to lock the woman in a bathroom but after the couple resisted, he forced both victims into a room and locked it from the outside. The elderly couple remained confined for nearly five hours while the accused searched the house, broke open cupboards and lockers, and decamped with valuables worth several lakhs of rupees.
Discovery and police response
The crime came to light around 8 pm when Pawan Kumar’s son, Rohit, and his grandson returned home and found the main entrance open. After unlocking the room, they discovered the elderly couple injured and in a state of shock. A subsequent search revealed that the lockers had been broken open and valuables were missing.
In his complaint, Pawan Kumar also alleged that after fleeing, the accused sent a voice message to his son threatening the family with serious consequences. Police are examining CCTV footage from neighbouring houses, which reportedly shows the accused leaving the area on a motorcycle.
Investigation underway
Station House Officer (SHO) of City Kapurthala police station, Amandeep, confirmed that a case has been registered against the named accused under relevant sections relating to wrongful confinement, attempt to murder, robbery, and the Arms Act, based on the victim’s statement. Police teams have been formed to trace the accused, with raids being conducted at suspected hideouts, including Rajapur village. CCTV footage and mobile phone location data are being used in the investigation, and police expressed confidence that the accused would be arrested soon.
