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Two charged with murder of Punjabi-origin Canadian
Two persons have been charged with the murder of Manraj Akalirai, a 19-year-old Vancouver youth of Punjabi origin. Amritpal Dhillon (20) has been charged with second-degree murder, while Amritpaul Rakhra (18) has been charged with manslaughter. The two suspects made their first court appearance on Wednesday. Akalirai, who had graduated from Gladstone Secondary School, was attacked by a group of armed men on Elgin Street near East 47th Avenue here on January 24.
Two persons have been charged with the murder of Manraj Akalirai, a 19-year-old Vancouver youth of Punjabi origin.
Amritpal Dhillon (20) has been charged with second-degree murder, while Amritpaul Rakhra (18) has been charged with manslaughter. The two suspects made their first court appearance on Wednesday.
Akalirai, who had graduated from Gladstone Secondary School, was attacked by a group of armed men on Elgin Street near East 47th Avenue here on January 24. Several weapons were used in the attack, including bats, clubs and a sword.
"It was an ongoing dispute between the two groups," said inspector Laurence Rankin of the local police department.
Rankin noted that at the time of the death, "drugs was one operational theory."
He said the victim's family was out of the country. "We've had ongoing communication with the family. They are relieved, there is some sense of contentment," he added.
