Murdered US citizen’s kin seek intervention of CM, DGP in case

Family members of the Indian-origin US woman, Rupinder Kaur Pandher, aka Rupy, who was murdered at Kilaraipur here around 2.5 months ago, have sought intervention of the higher authorities in the state administration and Punjab Police in expediting action against the suspects, including those who were yet to be arrested.

They have accused the investigating team of trying to shield the suspects and alleged that the inaction against absconding suspects might result in damage of evidence, including the deceased’s jewellery, valuables and documents.

Denying charges levelled against the police, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Harjinder Singh Gill claimed that the police were trying its best to nab absconding suspects and recover all evidence, including belongings of the deceased, Rupinder Kaur.

“We have already booked Manvir Singh Mani, brother of the main suspect, Sukhjeet Singh Sonu, on the basis of information extracted during the interrogation of the latter, and also provided by the deceased’s family,” said Gill, claiming that the investigation was focusing on the recovery of belongings of the deceased.

Kamaldeep Kaur Khairah, deceased’s US-based sister, alleged that undue delay in responding to requests made by her regarding the disappearance of her sister had facilitated the suspects in destroying evidence against them and fleeing the area.

She alleged that all her pleas made to senior functionaries in the state government and the Punjab Police had fallen on deaf ears and the investigating police had been trying to shield the prime conspirator, who claims to have clout in the government.

“We have again sent emails to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, DGP Gaurav Yadav, ADGP Parveen Sinha and Chairperson of the Punjab State Commission for Women Raj Gill to seek intervention in the matter but to no avail,” said Khairah, alleging that the suspects had threatened the victim’s family of dire consequences if the case was pursued further.

She regretted that none of the social, political or human rights organisations had come forward to show solidarity with the victim’s kin and demand justice for the deceased.

Though Khairah had planned to visit Ludhiana to pursue the case, she is unable to comprehend whom she should meet to demand action against all culprits in the murder case of her sister.

The woman was allegedly killed by Sukhjeet, who was a resident of Kilaraipur village, Ludhiana, on the behest of her would-be groom 75-year-old UK-based NRI Charanjit Singh Grewal, from Mehma Singh Wala village in Ludhiana.

A murder case has been registered against Sukhjeet, his brother Manvir and Charanjit. However, only Sonu has been arrested so far in the case.