A chilling social media claim from a gangster based in the United States has added a dramatic twist to the investigation into the murder of a Congress worker in Punjab's Moga district. The victim, Umarseer Singh, was brutally shot dead on Saturday morning, with police now probing deep-seated political rivalries and a purported confession from overseas.
The Fatal Ambush and a Claim from America
Umarseer Singh, a 38-year-old employee at a Nestle plant, was on his way to work when his car was intercepted by assailants in Bhinder Kalan village. In a brazen attack, the unidentified gunmen fired at least 15 rounds at his vehicle, killing him on the spot.
The case took a sensational turn when local gangster Manpreet Singh, alias Mani Bhinder, reportedly posted on social media claiming responsibility for the killing. Bhinder, who fled to the US via the illegal 'dunki' route in 2022, stated in his post that he had an old enmity with Umarseer. He alleged that the victim "had started feeling like a Badshah (king)," which led to the extreme step.
"I take the responsibility for Umarseer’s murder," the purported post read. Bhinder denied any motive of extortion, framing it as a personal vendetta, and warned others associated with Umarseer to remain quiet.
Political Rivalry and Police Case
The victim's family pointed directly at political tensions stemming from the recently concluded block samiti elections. In his statement to the police, Umarseer's brother, Gurwinder Singh, named Mani Bhinder and six others, including the village sarpanch.
Based on this complaint, the Moga police registered an FIR against seven individuals. The accused include Bhinder Khurd village sarpanch Inderpal Singh, who reportedly owes allegiance to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and history-sheeters Mani Bhinder and Gagandeep Singh alias Laden, both believed to be hiding in the US. Two alleged shooters, Manpreet alias Mannu Bhugipuriya and Bhinda Singh, were also named.
Gurwinder's complaint alleged that Sarpanch Inderpal Singh conspired in the murder due to political rivalry. He claimed that during the block samiti polls, the sarpanch pressured Umarseer to withdraw the candidature of Congress's Veerpal Kaur. Umarseer's refusal led to her victory, allegedly angering the sarpanch.
Probe Reveals History of Enmity and Conspiracy
Police sources have revealed that the enmity between Mani Bhinder and Umarseer Singh was not new. Both were closely associated with the Congress party, but Bhinder was opposed to Umarseer's inclusion and had warned him to stop interfering in party affairs ahead of the polls.
Dharamkot DSP Jaswarinder Singh confirmed that the preliminary probe points to Mani Bhinder as a main conspirator. "The victim, Umarseer, too had three-four FIRs registered against him. The role of incumbent sarpanch Inderpal Singh is being probed," the DSP stated.
In a development in the case, police detained another accused, Balkar Singh alias Pappu, on Sunday. He is alleged to have conducted a reconnaissance of Umarseer's movements before the attack.
The investigation continues to unravel the complex web of local politics, personal rivalries, and alleged criminal conspiracy that led to the daylight murder, with law enforcement agencies now grappling with the challenge of suspects operating from abroad.
