Nihang beats youth to death at Jahangir village

Amritsar, August 29

A youth identified as Malkeet Singh was allegedly beaten to death by a Nihang Sikh over an old dispute at Jahangir village falling under the Kamboh police station here last night.

The victim was alone at home when the suspect, identified as Sukhdev Singh living in the neighbourhood, entered the former’s house by jumping over the wall and brutally thrashed him. The victim was the only son of the family.

A police team led by DSP Lakhwinder Singh reached the spot and started investigation after taking body into possession. The body was sent for an autopsy by the police.

Rajpal Singh, a relative of Malkeet, said earlier too, the suspect had entered into quarrel with the victim’s family over one issue or other. He said Sukhdev was carrying a pistol and a sword when he attacked Malkeet. He said the suspect threatened villagers to kill them in case they intervened. Rajpal said Malkeet’s parents had gone somewhere. When they returned on Wednesday night, they found Malkeet dead.

Village sarpanch Amrik Singh said earlier too villagers had intervened between victim’s family and Sukhdev to reach a compromise a couple of times. But Sukhdev Singh did not mend his ways, the sarpanch said. Yesterday, Sukhdev allegedly killed Malkeet when he was alone at home, the sarpanch said.

Charanjit Singh, SSP, Amritsar (Rural), said raids were on to arrest the suspect who was on the run after the incident. A case had been registered against him following a complaint by the victim’s family, the SSP said.