In a tragic incident that has shocked the Indian diaspora, two Indian-origin men were shot dead outside a gurdwara in northern Italy’s Bergamo province during Baisakhi celebrations. The incident took place late on the night of April 18 in the town of Covo, turning what should have been a moment of religious unity into one of grief and fear.
According to local media reports, the victims identified as 48-year-old Raginder Singh and Gurmit Singh had just stepped out of a warehouse being used as a temporary place of worship for the Baisakhi gathering when the attack occurred.
Witnesses said the assailant approached the two men and opened fire multiple times at close range before fleeing the scene in a car. Authorities later recovered around ten shell casings from the spot, indicating the intensity of the attack. A third individual was also reportedly grazed by bullets during the shooting.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack was not a result of a sudden altercation. Instead, officials are probing the possibility of a premeditated or targeted killing. Some witness accounts have claimed that the attacker may have been known within the local Sikh community and had visited the gurdwara earlier.
The timing of the incident has added to the shock. The shooting took place just hours before official Baisakhi celebrations were scheduled in the area, an important festival in Sikhism marking the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the celebrations and left the local community devastated.
Local authorities have launched a full-scale investigation, examining CCTV footage, collecting witness statements, and conducting forensic analysis to identify the attacker and determine the motive behind the crime. The mayor of Covo reportedly described the Sikh community in the region as peaceful and well-integrated, making the incident even more unexpected.
The killings have sparked concern among Indians living abroad, especially in Europe, raising questions about safety and security during community gatherings. Community leaders have called for swift justice and stronger protective measures.
As investigations continue, the incident stands as a grim reminder of how violence can disrupt even the most sacred and peaceful occasions, leaving families and communities searching for answers.
