2nd murder shocks Barnala village

A 40-year-old man was found dead on the banks of a canal in Sehna village of Barnala, the second murder in the past 12 days.

The deceased has been identified as Maggar Singh, who had severe head injuries.

Sehna SHO Gurmander Singh said a dog squad and forensic experts were called to assist in the probe.

“The family has informed us that Maggar had gone for drinks with his father-in-law and two others but did not return. We are trying to crack the case,” said the SHO.

Sources said the deceased had domestic issues as well. “His second wife had brought along two children from her previous marriage, and the couple had one child together. However, there was some dispute between the two,” they claimed.

On October 4, 45-year-old Sukhbinder Singh Calcutta, son of former village sarpanch Malkit Kaur, was allegedly shot dead by a resident of the same village while sitting at a shop. The murder triggered a week-long protest demanding justice, even though the police arrested three accused, all residents of Sehna, including the alleged shooter, the following day.