A Congress worker was shot dead in Moga, Punjab, amid political tensions, with seven individuals, including an AAP sarpanch, booked for the crime.
A 38-year-old man was shot dead by unidentified assailants early Saturday in Bhinder Kalan village, Moga district, Punjab. Locals believe the killing was linked to political rivalry. The victim, identified as Umarseer Singh, was a Congress worker and a labor union leader at a nearby Nestle plant.
Umarseer, a resident of Bhinder Khurd village, was driving to work when he was attacked around 6:40 AM. Police have booked seven individuals, including Inderpal Singh, the sarpanch of Bhinder Khurd and an AAP member, for the murder.
Gurwinder Singh, Umarseer’s younger brother, reported to the police that Inderpal had threatened Umarseer after their relative, Veerpal Kaur, won a seat in the recent block samiti polls on a Congress ticket.
Dharamkot DSP Jaswarinder Singh stated that the attackers, traveling in a black car, fired approximately 15 bullets at Umarseer.
Jasvir Singh, Umarseer’s elder brother, mentioned that his brother had received multiple threats during the elections but stood firm against pressure from the ruling party. He expressed that this incident reflects a breakdown of law and order.
Umarseer’s family protested outside the Dharamkot police station, demanding the immediate arrest of all suspects. Congress leader Sukhjeet Singh Kaka Lohgarh joined the protest, criticizing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his government’s failure to maintain order.
The DSP confirmed that seven individuals have been booked based on statements from the victim’s family. The police are investigating the matter, noting that it stems from an old rivalry. In 2017, Umarseer was also involved in a police case.
According to the FIR, Gurwinder identified two attackers as Manpreet Singh alias Mannu Bughipuriya and Bhinda Singh, both from Bhinder Khurd. He also alleged that Balkar Singh alias Pappu conducted surveillance on his brother.
The FIR lists the following individuals: Inderpal Singh (sarpanch), Govinda (Bhinder Kalan), Manpreet Singh alias Mani, Gagandeep Singh alias Laden (both believed to be in the US), Balkar Singh alias Pappu, Manpreet Singh alias Mannu Bughipuriya, and Bhinda Singh, along with two unidentified persons.
The FIR has been filed under sections 103 (murder), 61 (2) (criminal conspiracy), 324 (4) (mischief causing financial loss) of the BNS, and section 25 of the Arms Act.
Umarseer is survived by his mother, wife, and two children aged 15 and 8.
Dharamkot MLA Devinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhos stated that the murder is not related to AAP versus Congress rivalry but rather an internal Congress conflict. He mentioned that a local gangster named Mani has taken responsibility for the killing and is currently hiding abroad. He urged for an unbiased investigation into Inderpal Singh’s role.
