‘Extortionist’ shot dead by trader in Tarn Taran, aides flee

An extortion bid turned gory as a local trader allegedly opened fire in self-defence, killing one of the suspects.

Sukhwinder Singh, alias Noni, a resident of Naushehra Pannuan village in Tarn Taran and cousin of gangster Satnam Singh Satta Naushehra, was shot dead when he, along with his two accomplices, had allegedly gone to extort money from a seed trader (name withheld by the police).

SSP Abhimanyu Rana said efforts were on to identify his accomplices, who had fled after the trader opened fire.

Noni and his unidentified accomplices were in contact with Gopi Nambardar, who is currently lodged in jail. He is a close associate of Satta Naushehra and had a number of criminal cases against him.

The SSP said Noni had called up the victim and threatened to kill him and his family while seeking extortion. The suspect and his two aides had gone to collect the money from the trader. One of them stood at a distance with a bike, while Noni and the other accomplice went to the victim. The victim denied to give money, which led to a heated exchange. In the melee, the trader opened fire, leaving Noni died.

“We will bring Gopi on production warrant for further investigation,” said the SSP.