By Sumesh Rajan | May 7, 2026
Chandigarh, Punjab, INDIA: A Chandigarh homemaker from an influential family has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating the contract killing of a property dealer after a soured land deal involving nearly ₹8 crore, in a case that has exposed the darker side of high-value real estate transactions involving unaccounted money.
The accused, Amreen Kaur Rai, a resident of Sector 35, was arrested by the Chandigarh Crime Branch for allegedly masterminding the murder of property dealer Charanpreet Singh, popularly known as “Cheeni.” He was shot dead outside a gym in Sector 9 on March 18.
According to investigators, Rai and the victim knew each other through social circles, gym memberships and property dealings. Police said the murder conspiracy stemmed from a failed land transaction in New Chandigarh in 2025.
Land Deal That Turned Deadly
Police said Charanpreet Singh had offered Rai an eight-acre agricultural land parcel in New Chandigarh for ₹15 crore. Rai initially paid around ₹4 crore and later arranged an additional ₹3 crore, expecting possession of part of the land.
However, the deal allegedly collapsed after the landowners reportedly refused to sell the property in smaller parcels. Rai allegedly believed she had been cheated and struggled to recover the money already invested.
Investigators claim that frustration over the failed transaction, coupled with the lack of legal recourse often associated with deals involving black money, pushed Rai toward seeking revenge.
Alleged Links to Gangsters
Police alleged that Rai contacted multiple criminal gangs before finalising an arrangement with the gang of gangster Lucky Patial.
The alleged intermediary was Harshpreet Singh Bains, a 27-year-old property dealer and gym acquaintance of both Rai and the victim. Police said Bains connected Rai with gang operatives through encrypted communication platforms.
Investigators allege Rai agreed to pay ₹50 lakh for the murder contract.
An earlier attempt to kill Charanpreet Singh reportedly failed in January due to heightened security arrangements ahead of Republic Day celebrations.
Broad-Daylight Killing Outside Gym
Police said the murder was executed on March 18 when two shooters — identified as Rajan alias Piyush Pahalwan and Pritam Shah — arrived on a motorcycle outside the gym in Sector 9-C.
As Charanpreet Singh sat in his car after a workout session, the assailants allegedly opened fire from close range, pumping multiple rounds into him before fleeing. He was taken to hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Within hours of the murder, Lucky Patial allegedly claimed responsibility through social media posts.
Imported Pistol Led Police to Accused
The breakthrough in the case came on April 29, when Chandigarh Crime Branch officers intercepted Harshpreet Singh Bains near Maloya during a naka checking operation.
Police recovered an imported .45 bore pistol and live cartridges from his possession. During verification, investigators found that the weapon was registered in the name of Amreen Kaur Rai.
Though the pistol was not allegedly used in the murder, police said the recovery led investigators to uncover the wider conspiracy.
Politically Connected Family
Rai is known in Chandigarh’s social and political circles as a political party worker, NGO operator and occasional real estate broker. She reportedly belongs to a wealthy agricultural family from Punjab and lives in a one-kanal bungalow in Sector 35.
Investigators also confirmed that she is related to a senior Punjab Police officer holding Special DGP rank, a detail that has triggered questions over the handling of the investigation.
Police have been criticised for initially withholding her full identity and restricting media access during court proceedings.
All Main Accused in Custody
Police said all accused identified so far in the case are now in custody. Apart from Rai and Bains, those arrested include the two alleged shooters and several gang operatives accused of providing logistics, weapons and transport support.
The investigation is continuing to determine whether more individuals were involved in financing or facilitating the contract killing.
Officials described the case as highly unusual, noting that contract killings in the region are typically linked to gang rivalries rather than civilians allegedly hiring gangsters to settle personal disputes.
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