Sarpanch among 3 killed in clash over land dispute

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 12

Three persons were killed while seven sustained injuries during a clash over the possession of 3 kanals of land at Dashmesh Nagar Manj village in the Lopoke area of the district here today.

Those killed are Nawab Singh, sarpanch of Lodhi Gujjar village and son of Akali Dal leader Sarabjit Singh Lodhi Gujjar, Jagtar Singh and Narinder Singh.

The policemen who visited the spot after the incident also reportedly came under fire when they tried to rescue the victims. The firing continued for half an hour till the police took control of the situation.

Makhtool Singh, one of the injured, said he had come to the spot along with his relative Bawa Singh, one of the parties in the land dispute. He alleged Bawa had purchased the land from one Ajmer Singh, but Nawab wanted to occupy it in an illegal manner. He alleged Nawab along with a large number of armed supporters arrived at the spot today and started cultivating the land, which led to tension.

Makhtool alleged they were having conversation with Gurbax Singh, Bawa’s relative, when they were attacked.

Sarabjit Singh, on the other hand, alleged that it was Bawa and his associates who resorted to firing, killing his son Nawab.

He claimed Nawab had bought 1 kanal of land from Ajmer Singh, which was situated adjacent to the disputed plot.

Jasdeep Singh, Amritsar (rural) Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), said 14 persons had been taken into custody while five weapons, including .315 bore and .12 bore pistols, had been seized.

“We are in the process of registering a case. Both the parties have lodged cross-FIRs against each other,” said Jasdeep, confirming that possession of land was to be blamed for the firing. He said initial investigations showed that the land was in Bawa’s possession while the opposite party led by Nawab reached the spot to take its control.

The SSP said he was verifying facts on whether the police party was fired upon during the clash.