Akali leader shot dead in Punjab

A 24-year-old local Akali leader was allegedly shot dead after an argument in Punjab's Batala, an incident described as ‘political killing’ by the SAD. According to police, the incident took place at Chak Kulian village when victim Manjot Singh and his two friends tried to stop one Joginder Singh from filling a pond with sand. The issue led to an altercation between Manjot and Joginder. In the meantime, Joginder's son Gurdeep Singh brought a pistol from his home and allegedly fired at Manjot and his friends, a relative of the victim alleged. Local Akali leader Ravi Karan Singh Kahlon alleged that Gurdeep is a Congress worker. Gurdeep is also an advocate by profession. Deputy Superintendent of Police Balbir Singh ruled out any political motive behind the killing. The victim's friends - Lovedeep Singh and Arshpreet Singh -too sustained bullet injuries, police said.