Akali leader shot; assailants held

LUDHIANA, March 17: Former councillor and Akali politician Balraj Singh Gill was shot dead near his residence in Fauji Mohalla last night. The main accused, Sukhvinder Singh Bhapp, today presented himself in court and is in judicial custody. Police say an old dispute between the two over a murder case has led to the killing. All the other accused have been arrested.

Gill was reportedly heading home after having accompanied SGPC member Amarjeet Singh Bhatia to the meeting in Amritsar where Jagir Kaur was appointed SGPC chief. Near his residence, another car blocked the way. When Gill asked the occupants to move the car, five men stepped out and opened fire. Gill was injured and the assailants managed to escape. He was rushed to DMC Hospital, where he was declared dead.

The other accused 8212; Gurbachan Singh, Baljit Singh, Amrik Singh and Jagdish Singh 8212; have also been arrested by the police.