Cops yet to arrest Randhawa’s kin in murder case

The Muktsar police are yet to arrest two relatives of Congress leader and Gurdaspur Lok Sabha MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa in a double-murder case in which a father-duo were killed over a property dispute near Malout on April 19.

Those killed — Vinay Partap Brar (55) and Surya Partap Brar (22) — were relatives of Congress leader and former Sardulgarh MLA Ajit Inder Singh Mofar.

The police have so far booked six people in the case, including Randhawa’s father-in-law Nachattarpal Singh and brother-in-law Ravinder Singh Bubby, who are currently on the run.

In the FIR lodged by Vinay Partap’s daughter Shazia Partap Brar, Randhawa’s kin were named among conspirators. Another accused, identified as Sukha, a farm labourer, is also absconding.

Earlier, the police had arrested Davinder Singh, alias Rana, Karanpal Singh of Gurusar Jodha village and Sukha’s father Major Singh.

Police facing political pressure, alleges Bittu

Rana had surrendered in a Malout court on April 21. Karanpal Singh was held the same day. A senior police officer said those held so far are presently on police remand, which would end on Monday.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu demanded the arrest of Randhawa’s relatives, alleging that the police are facing political pressure. Bittu is a distant relative of the deceased. He attended their last prayers in Malout today.

“Just a young girl is now left in the deceased’s family. I have assured her that justice will be done. I have heard that some people are exerting political pressure on the police. If the police tried to delete any name from the FIR, I will take up the matter with the Home Ministry,” Bittu said.

Punjab