Italy gurdwara shootout: Rajinder Singh, Gurmit Singh killed in 'planned attack'; ex-president among 4 suspects

Two Punjabi-origin men were shot dead in a targeted attack outside a gurdwara in northern Italy’s Bergamo province, authorities and local media reported.

The victims, identified as Rajinder Singh, 48, from Covo, and Gurmit Singh, 48, from Agnadello, were shot late on April 17 as they stepped out of the gurdwara in the town of Covo, about 30 km from Bergamo.

Both men were fathers of three children.

Eyewitnesses said four suspects arrived in two cars and opened fire around 11:50 pm and over 10 bullet casings were recovered from the scene.

Witnesses reported that multiple shots were fired at close range, striking both victims in the head and other parts of the body. A third person was also grazed during the attack.

“A witness was quoted as telling reporters that the shooter was "an Indian" who also frequented the gurdwara. According to the same witness, the bullets also grazed a third person,” reports PTI.

After the shooting, the assailants fled in their vehicles. By the time emergency services arrived, both victims had died. Their bodies have been sent for autopsies.

Investigators believe the attack was premeditated. Preliminary findings suggest the main shooter, also of Indian origin, and his accomplices were known to frequent the gurdwara.

Police are examining possible motives, including reported disputes related to the management of the religious facility.

The investigation is being led by Italian authorities, who have collected names and vehicle details of the suspects and are reviewing CCTV footage. One of the suspected accomplices is reportedly a former president of the gurdwara.

The incident occurred just ahead of planned celebrations for Baisakhi, which have since been cancelled following the killings.