MOGA, Punjab, Jan 3 — A 20-something man was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Bhinder Kalan village of Moga district on Saturday, with his family alleging the murder stemmed from political rivalry linked to local elections.
The deceased, Umarsir Singh, had just stepped out in his car to head to work when armed assailants stopped him and fired multiple rounds at close range, police said. Singh worked at Nestle India Limited’s Moga unit.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers fired between 15 and 20 bullets, leaving Singh dead at the scene before fleeing.
Calling the killing “pre-planned,” Singh’s brother Ajmer Singh alleged that the attack was rooted in disputes following the Block Samiti elections.
“My brother was targeted because of political rivalry in the village,” he said. “This could not have happened without local involvement. We suspect the village sarpanch.”
Police officials said a forensic team examined the crime scene and collected ballistic evidence. The body was sent for autopsy as part of the investigation.
“A case has been registered and multiple teams are working to identify the shooters,” a police officer said. “We are checking CCTV footage from nearby routes and villages to track their movement.”
Authorities said further action would follow once suspects are identified, adding that security has been tightened in the area to prevent any escalation.
