Scooter used in money-changer’s murder was stolen one: Probe

Ludhiana: The scooter used in the murder of money changer Manjit Singh of Model Gram was stolen a day before the crime from division number 3 area, a police probe has revealed. Police also claimed that Manjit was carrying cash under the seat of the scooter, which was taken into custody by his family. The bag which the accused escaped with was either empty or had little cash in it, officials said.
Manjit Singh (63), who also owned a footwear store in Karimpura Bazaar, was stabbed by two masked men in Model Gram merely 200m away from Kochar Market police post around 9pm on Monday. The initial probe suggested that the accused wanted to rob Manjit as he used to carry cash back home every night. The accused stabbed him multiple times with an ice picker before fleeing with a bag which allegedly contained cash.
Additional deputy commissioner of police (investigation) Rupinder Kaur Sra said, “The scooter used by the assailants was stolen a day before the incident from division number 3 area. An FIR in that matter is being lodged. The possibility of stealing the scooter specially to use the same in the murder cannot be ruled out. The initial probe suggested that the victim had identified one of the accused. The police have got clues that Manjit was taking the name of one of the accused while struggling for his life when the accused were stabbing him. The involvement of an acquaintance in the murder is suspected.”
Sra said, “Manjit used to carry huge cash in Indian currency as well as in dollars while returning home. The major amount of cash was kept under the seat of the scooter, which was taken into custody by the family of the victim when they reached the spot. The bag snatched by the accused, which was kept by Manjit Singh near the feet, was either empty or had little cash in it.”
“The police are exploring all angles and are close to solving the case,” the ADCP said.
On Monday night, Manjit Singh was returning home from his shop in Karimpura Bazaar. He stopped at a shop near Kochar Market chowk and purchased paneer. From there, he took an inside lane to reach home where the assailants intercepted his way and assaulted him to death.
Box: MP Bittu questions law & order situation
Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu visited the victim’s house and met his family. Bittu also raised questions over the situation of law & order and demanded stern action against gangsters and other miscreants. Bittu said the failure of Punjab Police in arresting fugitive Amritpal Singh is indirectly giving confidence to miscreants. He said if police fail to take action against gangsters, he with the help of the public will raze gangsters’ houses to teach them a lesson.