The Tribune, January 4, 2004

Third murder in family in ten months
Our Correspondent

Sonepat, January 3
One person was shot dead and another seriously injured when a car-borne gang fired indiscriminately at them this morning on the outskirts of village Butana under Baroda police station in Gohana sub-division of the district. The injured has been referred to PGIMS Rohtak and is stated to be serious. This is the third murder in a family within last 10 months.

According to information, Jasbir, son of Prithvi Singh, and Baljit, son of Chhotu Ram of village Butana were returning from the fields around 10.30 am when their tractor was hit by a dumper near Gangana Mor on the outskirts of the village. The tractor overturned and both of them fell on the ground. Meanwhile, around four gangsters who were in Wagon-R just behind the dumper came out of the car and fired many rounds. While Jasbir died on the spot, Baljit was injured seriously. After committing the crime, the miscreants escaped in the car. On receiving information, the police reached the spot and have registered a case against two Sajay and Krishan of the same village.

It is stated to be a case of an old enmity. The police also found that the dumper No. HR-38A-8715 was stolen from Gurgaon about five days back. The two youths booked in this murder, are also held as accused in the murders of Dalbir, son of Chhotu Ram on May 27 and of Anil, son of Prithvi on March 24 last. It is also pointed out that Jasbir and Baljit have been provided with a gunman, Havildar Satpal. The gunman was also reportedly accompanying them when the criminals struck. However, he escaped unhurt in the firing.