National-level hockey player, friend shot dead after fight at dhaba in Patiala

Eyewitnesses say their colleague at PSPCL opened fire at them after a fight over a petty issue

PATIALA: A national-level hockey player, Amrik Singh, and his friend, Simranjit Singh, were shot dead by a Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) employee, Manoj Kumar, and his son after an argument at a dhaba (roadside eatery) here on Wednesday night.

Police personnel at the crime site in Patiala on Thursday. A Punjab State Power Corporation Limited employee, Manoj Kumar, and his son are absconding after killing hockey player Amrik Singh and his friend Simranjit Singh on Wednesday night. (Bharat Bhushan/HT)

Police said the incident occurred when Amrik and Simranjit were having dinner at the dhaba at Manjit Nagar. Both were PSPCL employees.

Hockey player Amrik Singh and PSPCL employee Simranjit Singh, who were murdered.

Simranjit was a resident of Partap Nagar and was working on ad-hoc basis in the PSEB, while Amrik, a resident of Majithia Enclave was also employed with the PSPCL.

Angry, Manoj went home only to return to the dhaba with his double-barrelled rifle and fired at Amrik and Simranjit. Both died on the spot, while the accused fled.

A case was registered under Section 302 of the IPC.