Ex-serviceman beaten to death, 2 booked

A 65-year-old ex-serviceman was beaten to death by several persons over an old enmity at the border village of Galab falling under the Ramdas police station here. The victim was identified as Raghbir Singh. He had retired from the Army around 20 years ago.

On the statement of his son Rachhpal Singh, the police have booked Pardeep Singh and Arshdeep Singh, both residents of the same village, though no arrest has been made till now.

In his complaint, Rachhpal Singh said yesterday at around 6 pm, a fire engulfed wheat crop residue. He reached the spot and started dousing the fire along with other people, when Pardeep Singh and Arshdeep Singh started a quarrel with his father. He said the accused punched and kicked him on vital parts of the body leaving him writhing in pain. Arshdeep was shouting not to leave him (Raghbir) alive. His father fell there while the accused fled the spot on seeing people gathering there.

He said on seeing this, he immediately rushed to the spot. He said he took his father to hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival. He said his father had contested the panchayat elections against Arshdeep Singh who contested from Pardeep Singh’s side. Arshdeep had lost the poll and had kept a grudge against his father.

The police have registered a case and efforts were on to nab the suspects, said the police.