Tragic Shooting Claims Lives of Two Indian Men Outside Gurdwara in Italy
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Rome, April 19 (NationPress) Two Indian individuals tragically lost their lives in Italy's Covo as they exited a warehouse utilized as a gurdwara, according to local media reports on Sunday.
The shooting transpired on Friday just before midnight in close proximity to Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, situated in the industrial vicinity of Bergamo in the Lombardy region. The deceased have been identified as Raginder Singh, aged 48 and a resident of Covo, and Gurmit Singh, who hailed from Agnadello, as reported by the Italian daily La Sicilia.
The attacker approached the victims, opened fire, and subsequently fled the scene in a vehicle. Initial investigations have ruled out the possibility of a spontaneous brawl leading to the violence, indicating instead a swift and deadly assault. Around ten shell casings were discovered at the crime scene, a number deemed excessive for targeting just the two individuals, prompting authorities to explore the theory of a premeditated execution.
Witness accounts suggest that the shooter was also of Indian descent and had previously attended the gurdwara. Reports indicate a third individual was grazed by gunfire during the incident. Meanwhile, a formal celebration for Vaisakhi was scheduled in the vicinity for the following day.
The Sikh community in Lombardy and Bergamo has expressed profound shock over the occurrence. The bodies of the deceased have been transported to Pavia for autopsy, with an investigation currently in progress involving the examination of video surveillance footage, witness interrogations, and evidence collection.
Covo's Mayor Andrea Cappelletti characterized the local Sikh community as well-integrated and peaceful, noting that they have coexisted in the region for 15 years without any public order issues.