National-level shooter held for murder of hockey player

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 27

A week after national-level hockey player Amrik Singh (32) and his friend Simranjit Singh Happy (34) were shot dead on February 19, the police on Thursday arrested national-level trap shooter Manraj Singh Sarao (19) from here in connection with the murder.

Harmeet Singh Hundal, SP (Investigations), told this to the media here on Thursday.

On February 19, Sarao and his father Amandeep Singh were having dinner at a roadside dhaba. Amrik and Simranjit, who were reportedly drunk, passed objectionable comments against Manraj. A fight ensued, in which Amandeep was left bleeding. He was injured badly on the face and in the neck, the police have said.

“Shaken, the father-son duo rushed home and returned with a shotgun and shot dead Amrik and Simranjit. The accused fired more than two bullets each at the two victims,” said CIA in-charge Shaminder Singh, who arrested Sarao.

The two victims were employed with the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).

Manraj was under training at New Moti Bagh Gun Club in Maine village of Patiala district. Amandeep, a native of Patran, had recently separated from his wife. His elder son, Manraj, was staying with him, while his younger son was residing with his estranged wife.

The police said Manraj had shot the two victims on the face and later pumped a bullet each in them to ensure they were dead.

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