Khwajke sarpanch murder: Culprits hatched plan in jail, say police

A day after student leader-turned-sarpanch Rajwinder Singh alias Ravi Khwajke was brutally killed at a marriage function, police on Sunday claimed to have identified nine culprits and said Khwajke was killed following an old rivalry.

A day after student leader-turned-sarpanch Rajwinder Singh alias Ravi Khwajke was brutally killed at a marriage function, police on Sunday claimed to have identified nine culprits and said Khwajke was killed following an old rivalry.

Ravi Khwajke

Police addressing a press conference here said, “Conspiracy behind the brutal murder of Congress supporter sarpanch was hatched in jail.”

Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Narinder Bhargav said, “Bhargav said, “Police have booked Davinder Singh ‘Shooter’ of Bambiha in Moga, Avtar Singh of Dosanjh village in Moga, along with Jumpy and Bunty, who had opened fire on Khwajke.”

“Besides, Dharminder Singh Gugni, Karamveer Singh, Jassi, Navpreet Singh Cheema alias Noni and Mandee p Singh of Meharban have also been booked. Accused Jassi is the brother of deceased gangster Kala Hawas,” he said.

“Two accused Dharminder Singh Gugni and Karamveer Singh are at present lodged in jail as an undertrial in an attempt to murder case. The police seek production warrant for them from jail for questioning on Monday,” he said.

“Meanwhile, several teams have been formed to nab the remaining accused,” he added.

The police procured the closecircuit television (CCTV) footage and video recording of the wedding. In the footage, four accused have been captured shooting at Khwajke. Though Ravi Khwajke had cover of private security and bouncers, no one came forward to encounter the culprits.

After the attack, the accused remained at the spot for some time and celebrated by dancing. The culprits fired 50 bullets in the air in celebration before leaving the marriage venue.

DCP Bhargav said, “The police have registered a case of killing, attempt to murder and under Arms Act against the accused following the statement of Khwajke village numberdar Harpal Singh. He was also invited to the marriage function, where Ravi Khwajkee was gunned down.”

Witnesses said, “Some friends of groom Maninderjit Singh alias Mani Grewal were opening fire in the air while celebrating. In the meantime, they heard continuous firing, and came to know that someone was gunned down. Within a few minutes, all guests went out of the marriage palace.”

Khwajke’s accomplice Balwinder Singh alias Boota of Sangrur also suffered bullet injury in the attack. He was admitted to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where his condition is stated too be stable.