Italy: Vaisakhi Celebrations Turn Into Mourning As Two Indian Sikhs Shot Dead Outside Gurdwara In Bergamo

Rome: Two Indian men were shot dead in Italy late on Friday night. The incident occurred just minutes after they exited a warehouse—which was being used as a place of worship at the time—during Vaisakhi celebrations. According to local media reports, the incident took place in northern Italy. Media reports state that the shooting occurred just before midnight in the town of Covo, in the province of Bergamo.

Were the victims identified?

According to a report by the newspaper 'La Sicilia', the victims were attending a religious gathering at 'Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji,' located in an industrial area, when they were targeted in the square outside the premises. The deceased have been identified as 48-year-old Rajinder Singh Rammi, a resident of Covo, and 48-year-old Gurmeet Singh, a resident of nearby Agnadello. This tragedy is particularly devastating for Gurmeet Singh's family, as he is survived by his wife and two children.

Why Were Two Indian Sikhs Shot Dead in Italy?

According to preliminary reports, the assailant approached the two Sikhs, opened fire, and then fled the scene in a car. The intensity of the gunfire is evident from the fact that police investigators recovered approximately ten spent cartridges from the crime scene. Authorities are investigating the case, and it is currently believed that the killings were carried out as part of a premeditated conspiracy. According to reports, there is a suspicion that one of the attackers may be an Indian national who frequently visited the Gurdwara.

However, preliminary investigations have ruled out the possibility of any immediate argument or altercation preceding the incident. Reports also mention that a third individual was injured during the shooting. Investigators have dismissed the theory that the violence stemmed from a sudden, spontaneous clash, suggesting instead that the attack may have been premeditated. Eyewitnesses have confirmed the involvement of an Indian national in the incident. Citing Andrea Cappelletti, the Mayor of Covo, *La Sicilia* reported that the local Sikh community has been "integrated" and peace-loving. He noted that this community has been residing in the area for approximately fifteen years without giving rise to any public order issues.