States » NorthPosted at: Oct 8 2026 6:16PM


Punjab: Pastor found murdered with slit throat in Batala, CCTV captures suspects fleeing

Chandigarh, Oct 8 (UNI) A Christian pastor was allegedly murdered in broad daylight in Punjab's Batala town today after two assailants entered his residence and allegedly slit his throat with a metal-cutting tool, police said.
The victim, identified as Balwinder Pal, ran a church from his residence in the Gandhi Camp locality, where the attack occurred around 9:30 a.m.
According to family members, the pastor was alone at home when two men entered the premises and attacked him with a cutter used for cutting metal. The assailants fled immediately after the attack.
Family members rushed the critically injured pastor to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The victim's nephew, Sunny, said his uncle had no known enmity with anyone.
"My uncle had no enmity with anyone," Sunny said, expressing shock over the killing.
CCTV footage obtained from the locality purportedly shows two men fleeing the area shortly after the attack. One man, wearing a white shirt, is seen walking, while another, dressed in shorts, appears to be running before boarding a motorcycle.
One of the suspected attackers reportedly has a missing arm, a distinctive physical characteristic that could help investigators identify him.
Civil Lines police station SHO Lakhwinder Singh said a police team reached the scene after receiving information about the incident.
"We reached the spot and found that Balwinder Pal had died," Singh said.
Police have registered a case against Naresh, a resident of Gandhi Camp, following a complaint from the victim's family.
The pastor's body has undergone a post-mortem examination, while investigators are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to establish the circumstances and motive behind the killing.
Police have not disclosed whether the attack was linked to any personal dispute or the victim's religious activities.
Further investigation is underway.
UNI NB SS
Tags: #Punjab: Pastor found murdered with slit throat in Batala# CCTV captures suspects fleeing
More News

Akhilesh Yadav challenges Yogi to contest from Ayodhya

08 Oct 2026 | 7:16 PM

Ayodhya, Oct 8 (UNI) Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday challenged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to contest the coming assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh from Ayodhya.

see more..

Himachal HC awards 7 5 pc interest to landowners over delayed NH compensation

08 Oct 2026 | 7:15 PM

Shimla, October 8 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the authorities to pay interest at 7.5 per cent per annum to two landowners on compensation for land acquired for the construction and four-laning of National Highway-72 between Paonta Sahib and Ballupur in Sirmaur district, holding that the compensation amount was deposited a year after the award.

see more..

Chhattisgarh: ‘Seva Jyoti Sankalp Chowk’ plan sparks BJP-Congress dispute over Telibandha

08 Oct 2026 | 7:11 PM

Shishir Roy Chowdhury
Raipur, Oct 8 (UNI) A political dispute over the proposed development of Telibandha Chowk has triggered a fresh BJP-Congress confrontation in Chhattisgarh. While the ruling BJP says the landmark will retain its name and identity, the Congress has accused the government of attempting to alter Raipur's historical character.

see more..

Ram Vilas Paswan was a fierce warrior for social justice: Yogi

08 Oct 2026 | 7:00 PM

Lucknow, Oct 8 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday paid tribute to former union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, describing him as a vocal public leader and a strong voice for Dalits and the deprived sections of society.

see more..

Chhattisgarh tightens food safety vigilance

08 Oct 2026 | 6:56 PM

Raipur, Oct 8 (UNI) Protecting public health and ensuring the availability of pure, safe and quality food products remain key priorities of the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. In line with this focus, the Food and Drug Administration is carrying out intensive monitoring of food quality in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district through inspections of food establishments, collection of food samples and laboratory testing, followed by necessary action wherever violations are detected.

see more..