AI Generated Summary
- The two men had been attending a gathering at the centre, part of the local Sikh community’s observances tied to Vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi), which fell on April 14, 2026, this year and marks the Punjabi New Year as well as the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
- According to eyewitnesses and local media, the gunman — described as a fellow Indian national known to the community — approached the victims, opened fire with around a dozen shots, and then fled in a vehicle along with at least three accomplices in two cars.
- on April 17, 2026, in the square outside the Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji — a warehouse repurposed as a place of worship — in the industrial area of Covo, near Bergamo in the Lombardy region.
Two Sikh men were gunned down outside a Sikh cultural centre in northern Italy’s Bergamo province. The victims, Rajinder Singh (48) and Gurmit Singh (48), both Indian nationals from Punjab, were shot multiple times at close range shortly after leaving a community gathering related to Vaisakhi celebrations.
The incident took place around 11:50 p.m. on April 17, 2026, in the square outside the Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji — a warehouse repurposed as a place of worship — in the industrial area of Covo, near Bergamo in the Lombardy region. The two men had been attending a gathering at the centre, part of the local Sikh community’s observances tied to Vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi), which fell on April 14, 2026, this year and marks the Punjabi New Year as well as the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
According to eyewitnesses and local media, the gunman — described as a fellow Indian national known to the community — approached the victims, opened fire with around a dozen shots, and then fled in a vehicle along with at least three accomplices in two cars. The attack was captured on CCTV. Approximately ten shell casings were recovered at the scene. Reports indicate a third person may have been grazed by bullets. Italian authorities are treating it as a “coldly planned execution.”
Rajinder Singh, a resident of Covo and former president of the association managing the Sikh cultural centre, had reportedly been involved in previous disputes over temple leadership with a rival group from nearby Antegnate. Gurmit Singh was from Agnadello. Both were active volunteers (sewadars) at the gurdwara. Investigators believe the motive stems from internal rivalries within the local Sikh diaspora, including clashes over control of the gurdwara, management of donations, and associated socio-economic networks.
The planned Vaisakhi-related procession or events in the area were affected by the tragedy, casting a shadow over community observances that had already taken place on or around April 14.
Strong Condemnation from Sikh Bodies The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) expressed deep shock and strongly condemned the killings. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami called the incident “deeply disturbing” and alarming for the global Sikh community, urging Italian authorities to ensure swift justice and expressing condolences to the families.
Italy is home to one of the largest Sikh populations in Europe, estimated at around 220,000, with many concentrated in northern regions such as Lombardy (including Bergamo and Brescia). Sikhs have made significant contributions to Italy’s agriculture, dairy, logistics, and small industries while maintaining vibrant community life through numerous gurdwaras. While the community is generally well-integrated, occasional internal disputes over religious leadership, resources, or imported political differences occasionally surface.
Italian Carabinieri and prosecutors continue to investigate, with several suspects (reportedly four individuals of Indian origin) still at large. No arrests have been confirmed as of April 20.
The double murder has sent ripples of concern through the Sikh diaspora in Italy and beyond, prompting renewed calls for unity and peaceful resolution of community differences even as the investigation proceeds.
