In Mansa, Punjab, a man murdered his sister-in-law's boyfriend, enraged by their illicit relationship. Believing the man was responsible for his brother's suicide, the accused conspired with his associates to carry out the killing. He attacked the victim with a rod and a *kirpan* (ceremonial sword) while the latter was on his way to the vegetable market.

According to the police, the accused's elder brother had committed suicide just a week earlier. The younger brother suspected that his elder brother had taken this step after discovering his wife's illicit relationship.

On Friday, the police arrested three individuals, including the prime suspect, in connection with the case, while a search for another accused is ongoing.

Here are the details of the case...

**Ambushed and attacked with a rod and *kirpan* while heading to the vegetable market**

Mansa SSP Bhagirath Singh Meena stated that on the morning of June 17, Hardeep Singh (28) left his home in Dariyapur Khurd village for the vegetable market. The accused, who were lying in wait near the railway crossing, surrounded him and launched a fierce attack using a rod and a *kirpan*. Hardeep Singh sustained critical injuries and died on the spot.

Deceased and accused belong to the same village

Police investigation revealed that both the deceased, Hardeep Singh, and all the accused were residents of Dariyapur Khurd village. Following the incident, the police initiated a special investigation, considering the gravity of the matter, and examined various aspects of the case. The deceased worked as an accountant at the vegetable market.

Held a grudge following brother's suicide

The SSP stated that the elder brother of the arrested prime suspect, Mati Singh (30), had committed suicide a week prior. During the investigation, the police learned that Mati Singh held Hardeep Singh responsible for his brother's death. There was an alleged illicit relationship between Mati Singh's sister-in-law and Hardeep Singh, which had caused his brother mental distress.

Conspired to commit murder for revenge

According to the police, Mati Singh, devastated by his brother's death, conspired with his associates to murder Hardeep Singh. The accused kept a watch on his movements and, seizing the opportunity, surrounded and killed him while he was on his way to the market.

Police form special teams; case solved within 36 hours

Immediately after the incident, the Mansa police constituted various investigation teams. Based on technical evidence and ground-level intelligence, the police arrested three of the four named accused within 36 hours.

According to SSP Bhagirath Singh Meena, the main conspirator Mati Singh, along with Manpreet Singh (alias Ladi) and Manpreet Singh (alias Jagga Down), have been arrested. Meanwhile, the fourth accused, Sunny Singh, remains at large; the police are conducting continuous raids to apprehend him.