NRI woman murdered, burnt, and dumped in Ludhiana; typist in custody, UK-based co-accused named

A 71-year-old US-based NRI woman, Rupinder Kaur, who had travelled to India to marry, was allegedly murdered and her body burnt and disposed of in a water channel on the outskirts of Ludhiana. Police have arrested Sukhjit Singh, a typist at the Ludhiana district court, while UK-based Charanjit Singh, 75, has been named as a co-accused. The crime reportedly took place in Kila Raipur village, approximately 15 km from Ludhiana city, as reported by TOI.

Accused allegedly bludgeoned victim with baseball bat

According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP-II) Karanveer Singh told TOI, Sukhjit allegedly killed Rupinder on 12 July by striking her with a baseball bat. He then burned her body over coal for nearly three days. The skeletal remains were packed in sacks and dumped into a nearby nullah. Police recovered some of the remains and a hammer believed to have been used to destroy her mobile phone.

Suspicion arose after house repairs

The case began to unravel when local labourers noticed fresh paint and new tiles inside Sukhjit’s residence. The room showed signs of damage from a coal fire, which raised suspicion in the village, already alert due to Rupinder’s disappearance. A tip-off led police to investigate further.

Sukhjit had filed a missing person complaint on 18 August, claiming Rupinder left for Delhi to travel to Canada for a wedding. He stated that she had given him power of attorney six months earlier and had been living in his house for 10 days prior to leaving.

UK-based co-accused allegedly orchestrated crime

Police said that Charanjit Singh, who resides in the UK, had initially intended to marry Rupinder but backed out. When she allegedly threatened to implicate him in a case, Charanjit reportedly arranged the murder. He is said to have promised Sukhjit ₹50 lakh and the opportunity to relocate to the UK in exchange for carrying out the crime.

Deputy Commissioner (City, Rural) Rupinder Singh stated that the investigation revealed Charanjit and Rupinder had a personal relationship and had met in India and abroad. Police have found photographic evidence supporting their interactions. Rupinder had previously been declared a proclaimed offender in a cheating case and had an FIR registered against her at the NRI police station, as reported by TOI.

Financial transactions under scrutiny

Investigators confirmed that Rupinder had made payments to Sukhjit through bank transactions. The nature and purpose of these payments are still under examination. Charanjit reportedly introduced Rupinder to Sukhjit to assist with legal matters, given her pending cases.

Family raised alarm after communication stopped

Rupinder’s sister, Kamal Kaur, who lives abroad, approached the local police after she lost contact with her sister. This prompted further inquiries, eventually leading to the discovery of the crime.

Authorities have confirmed Sukhjit is in custody. Charanjit remains in the UK, and police have yet to confirm whether formal communication has been made with him. The investigation is ongoing.

(With inputs from TOI)