Pastor’s murder: 7 persons rounded up for questioning

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 22

A massive search operation was carried out by the Ludhiana police at over 10 villages after receiving a tip-off on the possible hideouts of the accused in the pastor’s murder case.

Over 300 policemen conducted door-to-door search at Khwajke Colony, Chaunta, Meharban, Mattehwara, Jagirpur, Gadapur, Sahnewal, Gonsgarh, Jodhewal, Koom Kalan villages. The police have also rounded up around seven people for questioning.

Sources said the cyber wing of the police had received information about the mobile locations of suspects in these villages. The police also received some CCTV footages of the suspects on the Bhadurke Road, which indicated their presence in the nearby area. A senior police official said 87 villages were earmarked, in which the suspected persons were said to have been possibly hiding.

ADCP Jasdev Singh said the search drive was on since Saturday, but no suspect was found. “During the search, we thoroughly checked around 10 villages, where people were encouraged to share information about the suspects. Houses were also combed to inquire if the suspects were taking shelter,” he said.

Sources said the police were also looking out for a black Pulsar or Splendor bikes at the villages as these were used in the crime. As the suspected killers are in the age group of 25 to 35, villagers of this age group were questioned and their mobile number and other details were jotted down. However, some isolated houses on the outskirts of the villages or big bungalows were given a miss by the raiding team.