25-year-old man was killed in alleged firing during an argument over playing of loud music at a Lohri function at Marar village in Patti sub-division on Wednesday night.
The victim has been identified as Gursewak Singh. One Jasbir Singh, was crictically injured in the firing.
Sources said Lohri was being celebrated at the house of Mahabir Singh in the village when some persons, including Bohad Singh, husband of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) sarpanch Kuldeep Kaur, objected to the loud music being played.
In his complaint, Mahabir said the function was organised to celebrating the birth of his cousin’s child, who was residing in Australia.
“Sarpanch’s husband Bohad Singh and his brother Dilbag Singh asked us to stop the music around 10pm, following which we reduced the volume and told them that we will wind up soon. But after some time, Bohad Singh and his men entered my house with firearms. Sarpanch Kuldeep Kaur, whow as accompanying them asked her husband to teach us a lesson, following which Bohad Singh opened fire,” Mahabir said.
“Bohad shot at my relative Gursewak Singh who succumbed to injuries at the Patti civil hospital, while Bohad’s brother targeted my father Jasbir Singh who is critically injured”, he added.
{{/usCountry}}“Bohad shot at my relative Gursewak Singh who succumbed to injuries at the Patti civil hospital, while Bohad’s brother targeted my father Jasbir Singh who is critically injured”, he added.
{{/usCountry}}Station house officer (SHO) Balkar Singh said as many as 18 persons, including sarpanch Kuldeep Kaur and her husband, have been booked.
A case has been registered against them under Sections 302 (), 307 (attempt to murder), 425 (mischief), 148 (rioting) and 149 (being member of unlawful assembly) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 25, 27, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act at the Harike police station.
As many as seven accused, including Davinder Singh, have been arrested.
Police also seized three pistols, 12-bore rifle and 16 cartridges, which were used in the attack, said station house officer (SHO) concerned Balkar Singh. “The body of Gursewak Singh has been sent to the Patti civil hospital for autposy. Jasbir Singh has been referred to a hospital in Amritsar,” the police officer added.