Witness in murder case kidnapped

PK Jaiswar
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, October 12

A youth was allegedly kidnapped by accomplices of notorious gangster Gurpreet Singh, alias, Gopi Mahal from Chogawan area here, yesterday morning. Mahal is currently lodged in jail.

The victim has been identified as Davinder Singh of Bhullar village. He is the nephew of Kashmir Singh of the same village. After the death of his parents, Davinder and his brother Jatinder Singh live with his maternal uncle Kashmir Singh.

Kashmir Singh, the complainant, told the police that Davinder was abducted by Abhiraj Singh and Billa Mandiala, both accomplices of Gopi Mahal. They used to pressurise him as he was a witness in a case connected to the murder of his son Sukhraj Singh. They threatened to kill Davinder in case he did not desist from appearing as a witness against Gopi Mahal.

As per the details, Sukhraj Singh (22) was shot dead at Bhullar village on December 17 last year. The police had booked Gopi, along with his brother, Gurbir Singh, Sukhman Singh, Binder Singh, Major Singh and two unknown youths in the case. An old dispute was stated to be the reason behind the murder.

The case was in the court and witnesses were being recorded. Gopi did not want Kashmir Singh, his family members and other witnesses to appear in the court for recording their statements.

Kashmir Singh told the police that Davinder used to work in his dairy. At around 7am, Davinder went to collect milk from villages. However, he did not return. At around 9 am, his daughter received a call from Davinder. He said Abhiraj Singh had threatened to kill him in case he went to the court for recording his statement as witness.

Harpal Singh, SHO Lopoke police station said a case under Sections 364 and 120-B of the IPC was registered against Gopi, Abhiraj and Billa Mandiala in this connection. He said raids were on to recover Davinder and arrest Abhi and Billa Mandiala who were currently on bail. Gopi was in the jail at present.

According to the police, Gopi was wanted in several cases of murder, attempt to murder and robberies.