“He Was Trying to Become a ‘Badshah’, So I Got Him Killed”: New Twist in Murder of Congress Worker Umarseer Singh

A dramatic new turn has emerged in the murder case of Congress worker Umarseer Singh in Punjab’s Moga district, after a local gangster claimed responsibility for the killing on social media. Manpreet Singh alias Mani Bhinder, a known criminal, has allegedly confessed to orchestrating the murder, stating that Umarseer was “trying to become a king (badshah),” prompting the attack.

Umarseer Singh was brutally shot dead with more than 15 bullets on Saturday morning in his native village Bhinder Kalan while he was on his way to work at a Nestlé plant. The incident sent shockwaves across the region and intensified political tensions in the area.

Gangster’s Social Media Confession

According to senior police officials, Mani Bhinder—who already faces 13 criminal cases, including attempted murder—fled to the United States via the illegal “donkey route” in 2022. In a social media post, Bhinder openly claimed responsibility for Umarseer’s killing, stating, “He was becoming too powerful, so I had him eliminated.”

He further asserted that the murder was not linked to extortion or ransom but stemmed from long-standing personal enmity. The post also contained threatening remarks, warning Umarseer’s supporters to remain silent or face similar consequences.

Political Rivalry and Local Tensions

Police sources suggest that village-level political rivalry, particularly linked to the recent Block Samiti elections, may have played a crucial role in the murder. According to the FIR filed on the complaint of the victim’s brother Gurvinder Singh, seven individuals have been named as accused.

Among them is Inderpal Singh, the sarpanch of Bhinder Khurd village, who is reportedly associated with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Gurvinder Singh alleged that Inderpal Singh conspired to murder his brother due to political animosity. He claimed that Umarseer had refused pressure to withdraw Congress candidate Veerpal Kaur’s nomination, who later went on to win the election.

Shooters Identified, Accused Named

The FIR names gangster Mani Bhinder, his associate Gagandeep Singh alias Laden, and two alleged shooters—Manpreet alias Manu Bhugipuria and Bhinda Singh, both residents of Bhinder Khurd. Another accused, Balkar Singh alias Pappu, who allegedly conducted reconnaissance before the murder, has been taken into police custody.

Ongoing Investigation

Dharmkot DSP Jaswinder Singh confirmed that Mani Bhinder is a prime conspirator in the case and that efforts are underway to examine the roles of all named accused, including the village sarpanch. He also noted that Umarseer Singh himself had three to four FIRs registered against him in the past.

Police say the investigation is progressing on multiple angles—gang rivalry, political enmity, and criminal history—as authorities work to unravel the full conspiracy behind the high-profile killing.

The case has once again highlighted the growing nexus between crime and local politics in Punjab, raising serious concerns over law and order in the state.