Five arrested in Amritsar shooting of US-based NRI; Family feud and ex-wife’s relatives under suspicion

Five individuals have been apprehended in connection with the shooting of Sukhchain Singh, a non-resident Indian (NRI) from the United States, in Amritsar, as confirmed by officials on Sunday.

Sukhchain Singh was targeted by two assailants at his residence in the Daburji area of Amritsar. The attackers, who arrived on a motorcycle, posed as individuals seeking information about Singh's luxury car registration. At approximately 7 a.m. on Saturday, they opened fire, striking Singh with two of the three shots they fired. The assailants fled the scene when their weapon malfunctioned.

Police Investigation

Amritsar Commissioner of Police Ranjit Singh Dhillon revealed that the shooting was the result of an ongoing feud between two families, both based in the U.S. These families had reportedly hired shooters from India. "The attack was orchestrated by one family against another. Both families reside in the U.S., and the attackers were hired from India. The assailants knew Singh was in Punjab. It’s only a matter of time before the remaining shooters are captured," Dhillon stated. He also mentioned that the investigation is looking into the financial transactions between the U.S. and India connected to the case.

#WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab: On the incident of firing on an NRI, Amritsar Commissioner Ranjit Singh Dhillon says, "... The firing incident occurred due to mutual rivalry between two families. Both families live in the US and they hired Indian shooters for the task... It is only a… pic.twitter.com/Sse7tOwGMU

— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2024

Victim’s Account

Singh's wife, Amandeep Kaur, described the horrifying ordeal. "Our family, including our two children and an elderly mother, was at home. The children pleaded for their father's safety, but the attackers were determined to kill him. They fled only when their weapon jammed after firing three shots," Kaur said.

Sukhchain Singh's Status and Further Developments

Dhillon confirmed that Singh, who had recently returned from the U.S. to Punjab, was hospitalised but is now recovering. "Two men entered Singh's residence under the guise of inquiring about his car’s registration and then began shooting. Singh had returned to Punjab a month ago," Dhillon added.

Family Suspicions and Legal Action

Singh's father-in-law, Sukhdev Singh, voiced concerns about possible involvement from Singh’s ex-wife's family. "We suspect that the family of Singh’s ex-wife might be involved in this incident. They entered our home and took him at gunpoint. We hope justice will prevail," he said. An FIR has been filed against five individuals, including those linked to Singh’s ex-wife.

Dr. Krishnan Srinivasan, who treated Singh, confirmed that he was admitted with severe bleeding but is now in stable condition with injuries to his face and hand.