Punjabi moneylender shot dead in Manila

Ferozepur: A 40-year-old man from Punjab was shot dead in Manila, the Philippines, where he was running a finance business, police and family members said.The deceased, Ranjit Singh of Daulatpura village in Ferozepur district, was allegedly attacked while on his way to collect outstanding debts. He was shot in the back of the head from point-blank range, resulting in his death on the spot.According to police, the incident took place on May 8 when Ranjit was travelling on a motorcycle to a market area. Two unidentified assailants on another motorcycle allegedly intercepted him and opened fire.Ranjit had moved to Manila several years ago in search of better livelihood opportunities and was running a finance business with his elder brother. He is survived by his wife, an eight-year-old daughter and a four-year-old son.Family members said Ranjit had recently been involved in an altercation with some persons linked to his business. At the time of the incident, his elder brother was visiting their native village in Punjab and Ranjit was handling the business alone.Police recovered five spent bullet casings from the spot and launched an investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the murder could be linked to his finance business, a suspicion also expressed by his wife, according to local media reports in the Philippines.