Ludhiana, November 2 — The family of 25-year-old kabaddi player Tejpal Singh, who was shot dead in broad daylight on Friday, refused to cremate his body on Saturday until those responsible were arrested. The grieving family held a sit-in with villagers at Giddarwindi, demanding swift police action against the killers.
Tejpal was gunned down near Dr Hari Singh Hans Maternity Hospital, barely a few metres from the office of the Ludhiana (Rural) senior superintendent of police (SSP). The shocking proximity of the crime site to a key police office has stirred anger in the area.
His mother, inconsolable as she sat beside the body, said Tejpal was her “only support”. “His sister lives abroad. He had no enmity with anyone. Those who killed him should face the same fate. I just want justice,” she said.
The family has not allowed the body to be sent for post-mortem, despite repeated appeals from the police. Officials confirmed that the post-mortem would be conducted only after the family gives consent.
SSP Ankur Gupta said the murder appeared to stem from a personal dispute rather than any gang rivalry. “We have identified three suspects — Honey Rumi, Kala Rumi, and Gagan from Moga — along with two aides. Raids are underway to nab them,” he said, adding that technical inputs and location tracking were being used to trace the accused.
A Facebook post under the name “Jassu Koom” claiming responsibility for the murder went viral soon after the incident but was later deleted. SSP Gupta dismissed it as fake, saying “anti-social elements are trying to mislead the investigation by creating fake accounts.”
Police teams are conducting raids in Ludhiana and Moga districts. “The accused will be arrested soon,” Gupta said.
