Demolition of house prompted Cong leader’s murder: Police

TNNLudhiana: A day after Congress block president Parminder Tiwari was hacked to death with an axe in Takhran village, Ludhiana police on Monday revealed findings of preliminary investigations. Police said the murder was allegedly linked to a long-standing dispute over the demolition of a house constructed on panchayat land. Parminder Tiwari was attacked in Harian village late on Sunday evening. He sustained grievous injuries and succumbed during treatment at a private hospital. Police said as per investigations, Vijay Kumar had been harbouring a grudge against Tiwari and the Takhra-Khokhran village panchayat following the demolition of his house, which was allegedly constructed illegally on panchayat land.Ludhiana police commissioner Swapan Sharma told TOI that preliminary findings indicated the accused had raised construction on panchayat land, and the structure was demolished with the assistance of the village panchayat, in which Tiwari played an active role. "The murder appears to be the result of the grudge held by the accused," Sharma said.The police commissioner said Vijay Kumar has been arrested. He added that five other persons had also been arrested for allegedly harbouring the accused after the incident. Sources said Parminder Tiwari played a key role in the formation of a pro-Congress panchayat in the village. They added that after the panchayat came into power, action was taken against illegal construction, including the demolition of Vijay Kumar's house, in which Tiwari was involved.The killing triggered panic in the area, with several shops in Malwa Chowk remaining shut. Local residents demanded a fair probe into the murder and strict punishment for those responsible.Sources said Tiwari's family was reportedly informed about his death only on Monday morning. Till then, they had been told he was in critical condition. His wife Kusum Tiwari and their children were devastated upon receiving news of his death.Family sources said Tiwari's brother, Davinder Tiwari, is returning from Canada. They added that Tiwari was not only an active Congress leader but also a businessman. His family reportedly runs a private school, and he was involved in property business and rental housing for migrant labourers. Further investigation is on.