Four arrested over murder in India

Four men were arrested today on suspicion of murdering a high-profile public figure who was gunned down in India.

West Midlands Police said the suspects, who are all British nationals, were detained in Wolverhampton, Coventry and Smethwick, near Birmingham, in connection with the murder of Rulda Singh last year.

A police spokesman said two men had already been charged by Indian authorities in connection with Mr Singh's killing in Patiala, in the Punjab, last July.

Mr Singh, 62, died a fortnight after being shot outside his home in Patiala on July 29.

It is understood that no request for extradition has been made in respect of the arrested men, who could face trial in the UK if they are charged.

The police spokesman said: "West Midlands Police have arrested four men on suspicion of the murder, in India, of Rulda Singh.

"The men, who were detained earlier this morning at their home addresses, are from Smethwick, Wolverhampton, and two from Coventry.

"All are British subjects and aged between 27 and 36."

The British investigation into the murder, which was reportedly linked to a Sikh extremist group, is being conducted by officers from West Midlands Police's CID and its Counter Terrorism Unit.

Detectives travelled to India to carry out initial inquiries in April this year and officers are said to be working closely with colleagues in India.

Detective Superintendent George Tracey, of the Counter Terrorism Unit, said: "The investigation into the death of Mr Singh is complex and ongoing both here and in the Punjab."