Terror angle not ruled out in pastor murder case, says Punjab DGP

Ludhiana, July 18

The Punjab police were working on various angles, including terror, to crack the murder of a pastor here, the state DGP on Tuesday said.

"We have got some leads and the SIT is working on the same," Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Suresh Arora said, adding, "soon you (media) will get to hear 'some result' (with regard to this case)."

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"Police is working on various theories, including terror angle, in this case," he told reporters here.

Pastor Sultan Masih was shot dead allegedly by two motorcycle-borne unidentified youths at Salem Tabri locality here on Saturday night.

The DGP, who inspected the crime scene where the pastor was allegedly murdered, said the pattern of this case may be similar to other previous murders that took place in the state.

"It will be clear during the investigation which is in progress," he said.

During initial investigation, police found similar modus operandi adopted by killers as was in the murder of Mata Chand Kaur, RSS leader Jagdish Gagneja, murder of two Dera Sacha Sauda followers and Shiv Sena leader Durga Prasad Gupta.

The DGP also handed over an appointment letter to the son of the slain pastor.

In the letter, the DGP wrote that when the elder son of the slain pastor completes his plus-two level, he would be appointed as a constable in the police.

The police official visited the church-cum-residence of the slain pastor in Slem Tabri locality. He remained with Masih's family for about half an hour.

The DGP was accompanied by Ludhiana Police Commissioner R N Dhoke. — PTI