New Delhi: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to speak to the US government to demand an inquiry into the murder of a Sikh family in California. Mann expressed grief over the incident, saying “the brutal incident has shocked the Punjabis across the globe,” according to the statement by Punjab CMO.
“Got the news of the killing of four Indians including an eight months old girl in California. I was saddened to hear this news… Also, appeal to Union External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar that there should be a high-level probe into the matter,” Mann said in a tweet in Punjabi.
There was news of kidnapping and murder of 4 Indians in California, in which an 8-month-old girl has also been murdered.
Very sad to hear this news. I share my grief with the families of the victims… Also Union External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar I appeal to you to conduct a high level inquiry into this matter. https://t.co/SFMuRBn4Q0
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) October 6, 2022
In a statement, the Chief Minister said, “it is unfortunate that a Punjabi family hailing from Harsi village of Hoshiarpur district in the state have been murdered in California. As per reports, the family was kidnapped and brutally murdered later on. The deceased have been identified as Jasdeep Singh, Jasleen Kaur, Amandeep Singh and an eight month old baby Ruhi.”
Seeking the intervention of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in the matter, he appealed to him to pressurize the Federal Government of the United States to conduct an in-depth investigation into the matter.
“This brutal murder has raised questions over the security of Punjabis even in advanced nations like the USA,” Mann said.
“Topmost priority must be accorded to this for ensuring the safety of Punjabis living there,” he added.
Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh also expressed shock over the killing of the Sikh family.
“Shocked by the news of murder of 4 people including 8 month old girl who were kidnapped in California. My heart goes out to the grieving family and relatives back in India. Hope strictest punishment is awarded to the perpetrators,” Singh said in a tweet.
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal also condoled the deaths.
“Brutal kidnapping & murder of 8 mnt old Aroohi, her parents & uncle Amandeep Singh is a matter of shock & concern for Pbis worldwide. I urge @DrSJaishankar to take up issue of safety & security of Indians with US admin even as I extend my deep condolences with bereaved family,” Badal tweeted.
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, “This (is) shocking beyond expression. I share the grief over this gruesome mass-murder of innocent people. Hope guilty are duly punished.”