Mohali: In a major breakthrough in the murder of Parol village sarpanch Satbir Singh alias Santi, Mohali police Sunday arrested two accused, including the alleged main shooter, after an encounter challenge near the MLA hostels in New Chandigarh. The arrests came less than a day after the sarpanch’s death triggered protests and demands for swift action across the area.The accused, identified as Jaspreet Singh alias Jassu and Davinder Singh alias Chora, were produced before a court and remanded to seven days in police custody. Police also siezed an illegal pistol from their possession.Police said the duo was traced to a bushy area behind the MLA hostels after villagers alerted authorities about their hideout. When challenged to surrender, the accused allegedly fired in the air before dropping their weapons and emerging with their hands raised. A video purportedly showing the surrender has also surfaced.The arrests followed widespread outrage over the killing of Satbir Singh, who succumbed to multiple gunshot injuries Saturday, five days after the attack. Residents of Parol and neighbouring villages had staged protests outside Mullanpur Garibdas police station, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.The murder also sparked a dharna led by SAD leader Ravinder Singh Khera at Omaxe Light Point in New Chandigarh. Protesters sought strict action against those allegedly involved in drug trafficking, besides demanding financial assistance and a govt job for a member of the victim’s family.Satbir’s brother, Major Singh, alleged that the main accused had repeatedly threatened the sarpanch and that a complaint had been made to police days before the murder. Villagers further claimed Satbir had been vocal against drug trafficking in the area and had received threats after confronting those allegedly involved.Police said investigations are continuing to establish the motive, examine allegations made by the family and identify any other persons linked to the murder.
