Two assailants allegedly entered the house and attacked Balwinder Pal alias Laddi with sharp-edged weapons; police begin investigationBatala, 08 October (H.S.): A Pastor Balwinder Pal alias Laddi, was allegedly killed in broad daylight at Gandhi Camp in Batala on Thursday morning. The incident took place around 9:30 am when two assailants reportedly entered his house and attacked him with sharp-edged weapons.According to the information available, Balwinder Pal used to run a church from his residence and was living alone. Some people allegedly entered the house in the morning and attacked him on the head and neck. Family members rushed him to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.The incident has created panic in the locality. A CCTV video related to a dispute in the area has also surfaced, and police are examining the footage as part of the investigation.The deceased’s nephew, Sunny, said that Balwinder Pal had no known enmity with anyone. He expressed shock over the incident and said the family was not aware of any dispute involving him.Police incharge of Civil Lines police station, Lakhwinder Singh, said the police team reached the spot after receiving information about the incident. On reaching the location, the police found that Balwinder Pal had already died.The body has been sent for post-mortem examination. Police have registered a case against Naresh, a resident of Gandhi Camp, on the basis of the statement given by the deceased’s family.Police officials said further investigation is underway to establish the circumstances behind the killing, identify the persons involved and ascertain the motive behind the attack. CCTV footage and other evidence from the spot are being examined as part of the investigation.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH