PHAGWARA: In a swift and coordinated operation, Punjab Police have cracked a sensitive kidnapping and murder case within 24 hours, leading to the arrest of seven accused individuals and the recovery of two vehicles used in the crime. The breakthrough came after the body of an unidentified man was discovered on May 14 near the bushes alongside the road close to Majha Petrol Pump in village Fattudhinga, district Kapurthala.
Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora while giving details told this correspondent here today that Inspector Sonamdeep Kaur, Station House Officer (SHO) of Fattudhinga Police Station, received the initial tip-off. Upon reaching the scene, the police took possession of the unclaimed body and kept it at the mortuary of Civil Hospital, Kapurthala, for identification.
During investigation, police matched the body’s description with missing persons records and identified the deceased as Sodhi Singh, son of Gurnam Singh, a resident of village Sarhali Kalan in district Tarn Taran. His identity was confirmed by his brother, Jagraj Singh. He was a Gatka coach at Akal academy Bholath.
Following the identification, a First Information Report was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Jagmohan Singh, son of Amrik Singh, resident of Bhulath in Kapurthala district, along with several unidentified individuals.
SSP Kapurthala, Gaurav Toora, announced the details during a press briefing, stating that considering the seriousness of the case, special investigation teams were formed under the supervision of SP (Detective) Prabhjot Singh Virk and Sub-Divisional Police Officer Gurmeet Singh. The investigative team comprised DSP Parminder Singh (Detective Kapurthala), Inspector Jarnail Singh (CIA Kapurthala), Inspector Sonamdeep Kaur (SHO Fattudhinga), and Inspector Arjan Singh.
Through detailed analysis of CCTV footage, technical surveillance, and human intelligence, the police managed to trace and arrest the main accused, Jagmohan Singh, within 12 hours of launching the investigation. During interrogation, Jagmohan confessed to harbouring a personal grudge against the victim. He allegedly discussed the matter with his brother-in-law, Gurnek Singh, a resident of Katarian village in SBS Nagar district. On May 9, Gurnek visited Jagmohan’s home in Bhulath, where the two reportedly planned the abduction and killing of Sodhi Singh.
To execute the plan, Gurnek Singh allegedly called in a group of accomplices, including his son Pohljeet Singh, Randeep Singh alias Pinda, Jashanpreet Singh alias Jassa, Ram Bahadur, and Mukhtiar Singh alias Milan. The group is said to have followed Sodhi Singh from near Mundi Morh, forcibly abducted him into a car, and severely assaulted him. They then transported him to an isolated location near Garhshankar, where they allegedly killed him during the night of May 9–10. On the morning of May 10, at around 5:00 a.m., Gurnek Singh and his son Pohljeet allegedly drove the victim’s body in a red Chevrolet Tavera (registration number PB 32 G 6440) and dumped it in the roadside bushes near Fattudhinga.
The police have arrested all seven individuals involved in the crime: Jagmohan Singh, Gurnek Singh, Pohljeet Singh, Randeep Singh alias Pinda, Jashanpreet Singh alias Jassa, Ram Bahadur, and Mukhtiar Singh alias Milan. During the investigation, two vehicles, including the Tavera and a Swift car, were seized. One of the vehicles reportedly belonged to Gurnek Singh and was used during the abduction.
SSP Gaurav Toora commended the efficiency and coordination of the police teams involved and reiterated the department’s commitment to justice and public safety. The case is currently under further investigation.