Jalandhar Police yet to identify accused in Mota Singh Nagar robbery-cum-murder case, insider angle under probe

Three days after the brutal murder and robbery of Vinod Duggal, a 69-year-old woman and relative of BJP leader Ashok Sarin Hikki, the police have yet to identify assailants who committed the crime. The incident, which took place in broad daylight in Mota Singh Nagar locality, has sent shockwaves across the city and raised serious concerns over public safety and law-and-order situation.

Vinod Duggal was found murdered inside her home on Thursday afternoon. Her husband, Bhimsen Duggal, had left the house around 12.30 pm to purchase items for a religious ceremony planned for their grandson’s birthday. When he returned around 2 pm, he found the main door latched from inside. After his repeated knocks went unanswered, a neighbour’s son jumped over the wall to unlock the door. Inside, they found Vinod’s body in a room.

At first, they believed she had suffered a heart attack. However, it soon became clear that it was a case of robbery and murder. Her gold bangles, three rings and mobile phone were missing and the house had been ransacked. The victim’s mobile phone was later found switched off inside the house.

Forensic teams were called to the spot, and the victim’s body was sent for a post-mortem before being handed over to the family yesterday evening.

The police confirmed that a case under charges of murder and robbery was registered at the Division No. 6 police station. Investigators have been working on multiple leads, including the possibility of an insider being involved in the crime. The police are also looking into the nature of injuries and launched an inquiry to find whether a sharp object was used to attack the victim.

Roopdeep Kaur, ACP, Model Town, said, “Police teams are working on the case round the clock. Various angles are being thoroughly investigated. The family has ruled out any personal enmity, but we are confident that the truth will be uncovered and the culprits will be arrested soon.”