Two Indian nationals were shot dead late Friday night outside a gurdwara in northern Italy in what investigators suspect was a premeditated attack, according to local media reports. The incident occurred shortly before midnight in the town of Covo, in Bergamo province, as the victims were leaving a warehouse being used as a place of worship for a Vaisakhi gathering. The shooting took place outside Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, located in the town’s industrial area, moments after the religious event had concluded.

The deceased have been identified as Raginder Singh, 48, a resident of Covo, and Gurmit Singh, 48, who lived in nearby Agnadello. Reports indicate that a gunman approached the two men and opened fire before fleeing the scene in a car. Investigators recovered around ten shell casings from the area, reinforcing suspicions that the attack was deliberate and targeted.

Authorities have ruled out the possibility of a spontaneous altercation, with early findings pointing instead to what officials described as a “coldly planned execution.” A witness told local media that the alleged shooter was of Indian origin and was known to frequent the same gurdwara. The witness also claimed that a third individual was grazed by a bullet during the attack.

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The killings have sent shockwaves through the local Indian community, particularly as they occurred on the eve of a planned Vaisakhi celebration scheduled for Saturday. The event was expected to draw community members and local officials, heightening concerns over safety and security in the aftermath of the incident.

Italian police have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the suspect, while also examining potential motives behind the killings. Authorities are expected to increase security measures in the area as the probe continues.

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