In a case that has gripped the quiet corners of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a tale of love, betrayal, and chilling violence has emerged, centered around the murder of Sukhjeet, a British citizen. The story began less than a year before Sukhjeet's tragic end when he received a call from a childhood friend, igniting a reunion that would ultimately lead to a lethal climax.

On a fateful night, a nine-year-old boy, the eldest son of Ramandeep Kaur, awoke to a scene that would forever alter the course of many lives. In the shrouding darkness, he witnessed a harrowing act: his mother, Ramandeep, straddled over his father, Sukhjeet, "pressing a pillow down on his face". This disturbing image was further compounded by the involvement of another known figure, "Mithu uncle," identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Mithu, aged 36. Mithu inflicted two forceful blows to Sukhjeet's head with a hammer. Despite Sukhjeet's weak attempts to resist, the violence escalated when Mithu handed Ramandeep a knife, with which she "slit" Sukhjeet's neck.

In a state of shock and fear, the young boy, whose innocence was abruptly shattered, pretended to sleep, covering his face with a sheet, hoping to escape the nightmare unfolding before his eyes.

It was this bone-chilling statement from the nine-year-old, now a critical piece of the police records and court documents, that became a pivotal factor in determining the fate of both Ramandeep Kaur and Gurpreet Singh alias Mithu.

The saga of love and betrayal culminated in a decisive legal outcome on October 7, when the Shahjahanpur district court delivered its verdict in this harrowing case. Ramandeep, aged 38, faced the gravest of sentences: death by hanging for the murder of her husband, Sukhjeet Singh alias Sonu. Both were British nationals. This tragic incident took place seven years ago, on September 2, 2016, in the family home located in Basantapur village, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The court's decision also extended to Gurpreet Singh, Sukhjeet’s childhood friend and Ramandeep's accomplice, who received a life sentence. Additionally, Gurpreet was found guilty under the Arms Act. Following the sentencing, both Ramandeep and Gurpreet, who were previously out on bail, were taken into custody and sent to Shahjahanpur district jail.

The court, in its ruling, highlighted a distinct factor in Ramandeep’s case, noting that her involvement was more severe than that of her "lover" Gurpreet. The justification for the harsher sentence stemmed from Ramandeep's failure to "maintain the bond of marriage", a betrayal that the court deemed grave enough to warrant the death penalty.

Accompanying this tragic tale of murder and betrayal is the backstory of Sukhjeet's life journey. His move to the UK was a significant chapter in his life. Around 2001-2002, after completing his education up to Class 12, Sukhjeet relocated to Slough, a town located west of London. This move was to join his sister, Kulwinder, and her husband, Kuldip, who were engaged in running newspaper delivery vans. This transition marked a new beginning for Sukhjeet, far from the eventual tragedy that would unfold years later in his ancestral village, linking his past with a fatal future.

Sukhjeet Singh's life in Slough, UK, was marked by entrepreneurial endeavors and a fateful meeting that would eventually lead to his tragic demise. After moving to Slough, Sukhjeet ventured into business, opening a pizza shop and working as a building contractor. It was during one of his building projects, specifically while constructing a house for an Italian client in Slough, that he met Ramandeep.

Ramandeep Kaur, the second of three daughters to Paul Singh Mann and Amarjit Kaur Mann, both employed at a chocolate factory, was a resident of the same neighborhood where Sukhjeet was engaged in his building project. At that time, Ramandeep was working at a shop in Slough.

The paths of Sukhjeet and Ramandeep crossed, leading to a relationship that began to bloom amidst the backdrop of their shared environment. However, this union was not looked upon favorably by Ramandeep's family. Sukhjeet's brother-in-law, Kuldip, who now resides in Oxford and runs five liquor stores, recalls that Ramandeep's family was not pleased with her choice of partner.

This relationship, which started in a seemingly ordinary setting, would, years later, culminate in a tragic event. On September 2, 2016, Sukhjeet, a British national, was found dead in his ancestral home in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. This discovery marked the beginning of a chilling tale of love, betrayal, and murder, a narrative that would later unfold in the courts and capture the attention of the public.

The union of Ramandeep and Sukhjeet, marked by its defiance and depth, was rooted in a narrative that spanned generations and cultural backgrounds. Kuldip Singh, speaking to The Indian Express via phone, shed light on the family dynamics that shaped this relationship. "Ramandeep’s family had established deep roots in the UK over many generations. They are part of the centuries-old Punjabi community in the country and didn’t like it that their daughter had chosen someone who they saw as an upstart. But Ramandeep put her foot down; she even set aside her earlier engagement to be with Sonu (Sukhjeet),” he revealed.

In 2005, this determined love culminated in marriage. Ramandeep and Sukhjeet exchanged vows at a gurdwara in Slough, an event that saw the attendance of Ramandeep’s parents, signaling a certain acceptance, if not approval, of their daughter's choice. However, when approached by The Indian Express, her parents declined to comment on the case, reflecting the complexity and possibly the pain surrounding the events that followed.

The newlyweds, shortly after their wedding, embarked on a journey to India. Their destination was Sukhjeet’s ancestral village, Basantpur, located in Shahjahanpur. There, they spent time together, possibly reveling in the new chapter of their lives. This visit to Basantpur was not just a post-wedding sojourn; it was a return to Sukhjeet's roots, where his mother, Bans Kaur, resided with her pet German Shepherd and a helper. Little did they know that this village, which symbolized their roots and beginnings, would years later become the backdrop of a tragic end to Sukhjeet's life, an end that would be intricately tied to the very bonds they celebrated in their union.

The story of Ramandeep and Sukhjeet's marriage, once a symbol of love's triumph over familial resistance, took a dramatic and tragic turn. Their initial months as a married couple were spent in India, filled with hope and anticipation. "They spent nearly six months in India, waiting for the day when Ramandeep’s parents would finally accept their union. So we were shocked and devastated at how things turned out. Ramandeep, who had once defied her parents to marry Sonu (Sukhjeet), was now accused of killing him. It was beyond anyone’s imagination," lamented Mahinder Kaur, a relative of Sukhjeet in Punjab’s Harnampur village. This village held significance for Sukhjeet, as he spent much of his adolescence there.

Adding to the narrative, an Express photo by Anju Agnihotri Chaba captures a glimpse of Gurpreet’s home in Jainpur, located in Punjab's Kapurthala district. This was where Gurpreet resided after being released on bail, marking yet another poignant location in this complex tale.

The couple's life in the UK underwent a significant shift in 2013. By this time, Sukhjeet and Ramandeep, now parents to two children, moved from Slough to Derby, situated in the central English county of Derbyshire. Here, Sukhjeet embarked on a new phase of his career, working as a lorry driver while continuing his involvement in building projects. This period of their life was marked by financial success, as evidenced by their ability to purchase two houses and cars, reflecting a seemingly stable and prosperous family life.

However, this phase of prosperity and familial growth stands in stark contrast to the harrowing turn of events that unfolded later, leading to the tragic end of Sukhjeet and the unimaginable accusation against Ramandeep. This narrative, weaving through the tapestry of love, defiance, success, and ultimate betrayal, paints a vivid picture of a journey that defied expectations at every turn.

Childhood Friends Who Drifted Apart

In the heart of a 20-acre agricultural field, within the walls of her double-storey home, Sukhjeet's mother, Bans Kaur, reflects on a past that once seemed harmonious. "During my time there, I never thought there was anything suspicious about Ramandeep. All was well till that other man walked into their lives," she reminisces, indicating a turning point that would eventually lead to a catastrophic series of events.

This significant shift in Sukhjeet's life can be traced back to nearly eight years ago, in October 2015. In a moment of joy and nostalgia, Sukhjeet, in his home in Derby, excitedly announced to his sister Kulwinder, “Ajj mainu Mithu labh gaya (I found Mithu today).” This statement marked the rekindling of a long-lost friendship that would, unbeknownst to them, set the stage for future tragedy.

An Express photo by Anju Agnihotri Chaba provides a poignant glimpse into the past, showing the school in Harnampur village, Kapurthala, where childhood friends Sukhjeet and Gurpreet, alias Mithu, spent their formative years together.

Kulwinder recalls Sukhjeet's eagerness to share this rediscovery with their mother, Bans Kaur, in Shahjahanpur. The news of Sukhjeet reconnecting with his childhood friend Gurpreet was initially met with happiness by the family. However, this reunion of childhood friends, which should have been a source of joy and nostalgia, became the catalyst for a chain of events that ultimately led to Sukhjeet's untimely demise. The bond that once symbolized innocence and camaraderie was overshadowed by the dark twist of fate that lay ahead.

The friendship between Sukhjeet and Gurpreet, the central figures in this tragic narrative, dates back nearly 30 years, to their pre-teen years. Their paths first crossed in Punjab’s Harnampur, with Sukhjeet coming from Shahjahanpur and Mithu (Gurpreet) from the neighboring Jainpur village. This intersection of lives occurred under the shadow of personal loss; after the death of Sukhjeet’s father, Sardar Baldev Singh, in a road accident in 1991, his mother, Bans Kaur, made a series of decisions that would significantly affect Sukhjeet's life. With Sukhjeet only 10 years old at the time and the youngest in the family, Bans Kaur initially sent him to a boarding school. When this arrangement did not work out, she enrolled him in a school in Sultanpur Lodhi. “Since his school was close to our village (Harnampura), he stayed with us,” explains Mahinder Kaur, whose elder son Kuldip was then engaged to Sukhjeet’s eldest sister Kulwinder.

Gurpreet's educational journey coincided with Sukhjeet's, as they attended the same school. Although Gurpreet's family hailed from Jainpur, about 3 km away, he lived with his father’s aunt in Harnampur. The two boys shared not only their school days but also their evenings, often spent in play. “The two were inseparable,” Mahinder Kaur recalls, painting a picture of a deep and enduring friendship that began in childhood.

Sukhjeet's early life in Harnampur, under the care of Mahinder Kaur, his sister’s mother-in-law, laid the foundation for a bond that was strong and seemed unbreakable. This bond, forged in the innocence of childhood and the simplicity of rural life, stands in stark contrast to the complex and dark turn their relationship would take in adulthood, leading to a conclusion that nobody could have foreseen.

A Friendship Rekindled

The trajectories of Sukhjeet and Gurpreet's lives diverged in 2002, marking a significant turning point in their friendship. Sukhjeet moved to the UK to join his sister’s family, while Gurpreet shifted his focus to his family’s marble business in Dubai. This relocation led to a long hiatus in their communication, with the two friends losing all contact for 13 years.

It wasn't until Gurpreet managed to procure Sukhjeet’s UK number from relatives in Punjab and made a call that their connection was reignited. That mid-October call from Dubai briefly rekindled their old friendship, a revival that would tragically lead to the demise of one of the friends.

In the winter of 2015, this reconnection took a more tangible form. “A couple of months later, on December 21-22, 2015, on Gurpreet’s invitation, Sonu (Sukhjeet), Ramandeep, and the children went to Dubai. That was the first time Ramandeep had met Gurpreet. They spent around 10 days in Dubai… we don’t know what transpired between Gurpreet and Ramandeep, but after they returned to the UK, Ramandeep insisted on an India visit and booked tickets to India for July 2016. Sonu (Sukhjeet), of course, was too naïve and was convinced when Ramandeep said she wanted to pay a surprise visit to India to meet our mother,” recounts Kulwinder, providing insight into the events that followed the reunion.

This trip to Dubai, seemingly a casual holiday, harbored undercurrents that would later surface with devastating consequences. The interactions between Ramandeep and Gurpreet during this time remain shrouded in mystery. Ramandeep's subsequent insistence on a trip to India, cloaked as a surprise visit, raises questions about the motives and dynamics that evolved following their Dubai encounter. The innocence or naivety attributed to Sukhjeet by his sister Kulwinder highlights a potential unawareness of the brewing storm that would eventually lead to his tragic end in his ancestral home in Shahjahanpur.

The sequence of events leading to the tragic incident in Shahjahanpur begins to unfold with the arrival of Sukhjeet, Ramandeep, and their children in India on July 28, 2016. According to police reports, Gurpreet, who was already in India, received them at the Delhi airport. He then drove them to Sukhjeet’s home in Shahjahanpur. This arrival marked the beginning of a fateful journey, one that would end in tragedy.

After spending two days in Shahjahanpur, Gurpreet joined Sukhjeet's family on a tour to various iconic Indian cities including Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Delhi. They returned to Shahjahanpur on August 15, where they were joined by Ramandeep’s parents and younger brother, marking their first visit to Sukhjeet’s ancestral home.

During the ensuing week, Sukhjeet, Gurpreet, Ramandeep, and her parents shared moments together in Shahjahanpur. Bans Kaur, Sukhjeet’s mother, recalls the atmosphere during this time: “Everyone was very happy, talking about the places they visited… I don’t remember anything awkward between Ramandeep and Gurupreet, but the two were constantly on their phones.” This observation hints at an underlying current that was not apparent to the family.

The timeline reaches a critical juncture on August 22. Court records reveal that Gurpreet parted ways with Sukhjeet’s family, claiming he was returning home to Punjab. Hours after his departure, Ramandeep’s family also left Shahjahanpur for a relative’s house. This sequence of departures set the stage for the events that would soon lead to the grim discovery in Sukhjeet’s ancestral home, a discovery that would unravel a web of betrayal and result in the tragic loss of life.

The tragic night in Shahjahanpur began with an ostensibly normal family gathering. Bans Kaur, Sukhjeet’s mother, recounts the evening of September 1, which started with a seemingly innocuous gesture: “On September 1, Ramandeep cooked biryani for all of us. It was the first time since their marriage that Ramandeep had offered to cook in my kitchen and I was only too happy to let her do it. After dinner, we all went up to sleep – me on the ground floor and Sukhjeet, Ramandeep, and the children on the first floor.”

However, unbeknownst to Bans Kaur, a sinister plot was allegedly unfolding. According to the prosecution's narrative, Ramandeep had been in communication with Gurpreet, who, contrary to his claim of having returned to Punjab, was in fact staying at a hotel in Shahjahanpur. Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Kumar Khanna presented to the court that Gurpreet had hired a taxi that night, stopping the vehicle some meters away from Sukhjeet’s house in Shahjahanpur before proceeding on foot.

The taxi driver, Ikrar, became an unwitting witness to the events of that night. He testified in court that Gurpreet hired his vehicle on the night of September 1, 2016. Gurpreet, carrying a bag, instructed Ikrar to stop at a godown in Basantapur, under the pretense of needing to “collect some papers” from someone. Around 12:30 pm, Gurpreet called Ikrar to the godown, where, according to Ikrar’s account, he was joined by a woman whose identity was obscured by a chunni partially covering her head and face.

This detailed account of the night's events paints a chilling picture, where a family dinner turned into a prelude to a heinous crime. The testimony of the taxi driver adds a critical piece to the puzzle, helping to piece together the movements and actions of the accused on that fateful night. The portrayal of these events in court would later play a significant role in the unfolding legal drama, contributing to the conviction of Ramandeep and Gurpreet in a case that shocked and saddened the community.

In the intricate case of Sukhjeet's murder, testimonies and evidence presented in court play a crucial role in unraveling the truth. Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Kumar Khanna, speaking to The Indian Express, revealed a significant detail about the taxi driver’s testimony. Initially, the driver had identified the woman accompanying Gurpreet as Ramandeep. However, during his cross-examination, "he claimed he didn’t see the woman’s face too well", casting a layer of ambiguity over the identification.

Bans Kaur, Sukhjeet's mother, becomes a poignant figure in this narrative, not just as a grieving mother but also as a constant presence in the legal proceedings. Over the past seven years, she has not missed a single day of the case hearing, as seen in her photograph at her home in Basantapur village, Shahjahanpur, taken by The Indian Express.

Her testimony provides a heart-wrenching account of the morning following the tragic incident. Bans Kaur told The Indian Express, “The next morning, when Sukhjeet did not wake up, my nine-year-old grandson came down and said papa is not waking up. The child looked confused. I went upstairs and found my son’s body lying in a pool of blood.” This statement, now part of the police case diary, highlights the harrowing moment when the brutal crime was discovered, a moment that would leave an indelible mark on the family, especially on the young child who first sensed something amiss.

Bans Kaur’s narrative and the taxi driver’s testimony together construct a picture of the events leading to and following the murder. These pieces of evidence, though clouded with some uncertainty, contribute to the overall understanding of the case, presenting a story of familial bonds, betrayal, and a tragic end that shook the community to its core.

The unfolding of events in the aftermath of the murder in Shahjahanpur reveals the crucial role played by Sukhjeet's nine-year-old son in the investigation. Bans Kaur shares that her grandson was initially hesitant to speak to the police about the traumatic events he witnessed. "He first told his aunt Manjeet Kaur (Sukhjeet’s sister who lives in Jalandhar) about what he saw at night. Later, he told the police and spoke to the media too," Kaur explains. This breakthrough in the case came when the police formally recorded the child’s statement on March 20, 2017, via Skype, as he had returned to the UK by that time.

In the immediate aftermath of the crime, the police registered an FIR against unidentified persons. The investigation took a significant turn a day later when Ramandeep was taken into custody by the Shahjahanpur police. Following her detention, Gurpreet was apprehended at the Delhi airport, moments before his scheduled flight to Dubai. Gurpreet's arrest and subsequent questioning led the police to allege the recovery of the murder weapons – the hammer and knife used in the crime.

Bans Kaur, the grieving mother of Sukhjeet, firmly believes in the guilt of Ramandeep and Gurpreet. Her conviction is rooted in a suspicion of an illicit relationship between the two. “I am convinced Ramandeep and Gurpreet were in a relationship. They killed my son to get him out of the way,” she asserts. Her dedication to seeking justice for her son is evident in her unwavering attendance at the court hearings over the past seven years, despite the court being located about 40 kilometers from her home. “I did not want to miss any development in this case. I had made it my life’s mission to ensure that my son’s killers are punished,” she says, reflecting a mother's relentless pursuit of justice for her child.

On the other side, the defense counsel, Devendra Upadhyay, expressed intentions to challenge the judgment in a higher court. He points out that the court's judgment omits certain aspects of the case. Upadhyay raises questions about the timing and credibility of the nine-year-old son’s statement, which was recorded seven months after the incident. “Why was the child’s statement not recorded if he was an eyewitness and if the accused were arrested on the basis of his statement? We told the court that the child was tutored by Sukhjeet’s family,” he argues, suggesting the possibility of manipulation.

Furthermore, Upadhyay brings up another angle that he believes was overlooked: a potential property dispute. “I have come to know that the victim came to India to sell his property and take his mother with him to England. The motive behind the murder could be a property dispute because there were many relatives who were eyeing his property,” he speculates.

Defense Counsel Devendra Upadhyay continues to challenge the narrative presented by the prosecution. He casts doubt on the police's assertion of a romantic relationship between Ramandeep and Gurpreet as the motive for Sukhjeet's murder. Upadhyay questions the lack of evidence supporting this theory, stating, “Police say Ramandeep and Gurupreet killed the victim so that they could be together. There is no evidence of any dispute between Ramandeep and her husband. If Ramandeep wanted to get separated from her husband, she could have filed for divorce.” This statement highlights the defense's skepticism about the purported motive, suggesting that alternative reasons for the murder could exist.

Contradicting the defense counsel's assertions about a property dispute, Sukhjeet’s brother-in-law firmly dismisses such claims. He turns the suspicion back onto Ramandeep and her family: “In fact, Ramandeep and her parents have been eyeing his property in the UK and back home in Shahjahanpur, all of which were insured. It would have served them well to get Sukhjeet out of the way,” says Kuldip. This counter-allegation introduces the possibility of a financial motive linked to Sukhjeet's assets.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, who served as a Sub-Inspector and the Investigating Officer in the case, offers insight into the delay in recording the nine-year-old boy's statement. Singh explains, “I did not record the boy’s statement immediately after the murder considering his age. I thought he is a foreign national and his education could get affected because of the case.” This explanation sheds light on the considerations and challenges faced by the investigators in handling the sensitive involvement of a minor in a murder case.

In the final analysis of this complex case, Inspector Rajesh Kumar Singh, now stationed in Bahraich, revisits the alleged relationship between Ramandeep and Gurpreet, a crucial aspect of the prosecution's argument. He points to evidence from phone call records, stating, “The phone call records of the accused revealed that they were in regular contact and spoke to each other several times on the day of the murder.” This statement suggests a level of communication between Ramandeep and Gurpreet that goes beyond casual acquaintance, potentially supporting the theory of a deeper relationship.

After being released on bail about five months post-murder, Ramandeep faced limitations due to her seized passport. Unable to return to her family in the UK, she spent time with friends and acquaintances in various locations, including Ludhiana, Machhiwara, and later Nawanshahr. This period of her life reflects a state of displacement and uncertainty, with her movements restricted within India.

Gurpreet, on the other hand, retreated to a more familiar environment, returning to his village Jainpur to stay with his parents. This return to his roots, however, occurred under the shadow of the case and its implications.

Bans Kaur, expressing her determination and maternal resolve, speaks about the future of her grandchildren, who are now in the UK with her daughter Kulwinder. “I will ensure that my grandchildren remain with our family. I don’t want the shadow of their father’s killers to fall on them. I fought this case all alone. If needed, I will go all the way to the top court to ensure my son’s killers are punished,” she declares. Her words reflect a deep commitment to protecting her grandchildren and seeking justice for her son, indicating a willingness to continue her fight for justice, even if it means taking the case to the highest judicial levels.