Ludhiana: Man shot dead near home, kin point to role of in-laws

Guddu Singh, said Sonu married one Nibha Kumari against her family’s wishes a year and a half ago and had a child five months ago; he said he suspected that the deceased’s in-laws were involved in the attack

A 32-year-old man was shot dead of Wednesday by an unidentified assailant near his home in Ishar Nagar, said officials.

Police said the deceased, Sonu Singh, was a street food vendor and was returning home after a day’s work at the time of the incident around 1am. (HT Photo)

They said the deceased, Sonu Singh, was a street food vendor and was returning home after a day’s work at the time of the incident around 1am.

He had put up a ‘golgappa’ (water balls) stall at a local fair on Tuesday.

Guddu Singh, the victim’s father, said he suspected that the deceased’s in-laws were involved in the attack.

Guddu said Sonu married one Nibha Kumari against her family’s wishes a year and a half ago and had a child five months ago. He alleged Nibha’s family had not accepted the marriage. “We believe Nibha’s family could be behind this murder,” said Guddu.

“While I was parking the motorcycle inside the house, Sonu was following me. Moments later, I heard a gunshot and rushed outside. I saw Sonu lying on the ground. A man sped away on a two-wheeler,” said Guddu.

The family alleged there was a significant delay in emergency response. They claimed they waited nearly 30 minutes for an ambulance that never arrived.

Sadar station-house officer (SHO) inspector Avtar Singh said the bullet passed through Sonu’s chest.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that a single person on a vehicle — possibly an electric two-wheeler — carried out the attack. The victim’s in-laws are under lens, and we are verifying the claims. A murder case was registered against unidentified persons,” the SHO said.

“Police are reviewing footage from CCTV cameras in the vicinity to identify the attacker. A probe to ascertain the motive behind the killing is underway,” he added.