Addict ‘kills’ 4 of his family, cops say they were into drug trade

Gurbaxpuri

Tarn Taran, June 25

An addict with the help of his associates, who are yet to be identified, allegedly murdered four members of his family in Kairon village, 20 km from here, late Wednesday night. Gurjant Singh, the accused, allegedly slit the throats of his father Brij Lal (65), his two sisters-in-law Jaspreet Kaur (28) and Amandeep Kaur (26) and brother Daljit Singh (22). He also killed the family’s driver, Gursahib Singh Saba. Jaspreet’s son (6) and daughter (1) and Amandeep’s two daughters aged five and two years were unharmed.

Sources said the victims were sleeping in different rooms when the attackers broke into the house. Kulwinder Singh, DSP, Patti, said a case under Sections 302, 450, 148 and 149 of the IPC had been registered on the basis of information provided by the children, who claimed they had seen their “chachu” kill their parents and grandfather.

“It is clear that all members of the family were into the drug trade or were addicts. Hence, the involvement of their trade associates cannot be ruled out”, the DSP said. Police sources said it was yet to be ascertained if cash or valuables were missing from the house.

As panic spread in the area, DIG Hardyal Singh Mann, Tarn Taran SSP Dhruv Dahiya and other officials rushed to the site. A dog squad was called as forensic experts collected evidence.

Brij Lal had several drug peddling cases filed against him. His wife Ranjit Kaur Rani, arrested on similar charges, had died in Amritsar Central Jail two months ago. His sons Bakshish Singh Sonu and Paramjit Singh Pamma, both addicts, are currently under treatment at a private centre.

Backing the police claim, a village elder said: “The family was undoubtedly into the drug trade. Early this morning, some ‘customers’ were seen outside their house.They left in haste when told of the murders.”

Saba, the deceased driver, was the son of a member of the Bhindranwala Tigers Force of Khalistan, who was shot dead more than three decades ago.