In yet another case of honour killing in Punjab, the Ferozepur Police arrested Gurmej Singh, alias Geja, and Surjan Singh for twin murders.

Police said last month, Gurmej, a Ferozepur resident, first murdered Harnam Singh, alias Heera, who had an affair with his daughter Jas Kaur, and then strangulated her a few days later.

Ferozepur SSP Dinesh Partap Singh told The Indian Express that Heera, who was in his early 20s, and Jas had met each other at a wedding function in Moga, and fell in love.

The SSP said the interrogation of Gurmej revealed that he had initially agreed to the marriage after Heera's sister came with the proposal, but later had some reservations after his kin said that the boy was not of their status.

The SSP said when, on the day of Maghi Mela in January, Heera, who hailed from a village in Tarn Taran district, came to see Jas at her residence, Gurmej overheard them. "When he knocked on the door of his daughter's room, Heera came out. An infuriated Gurmej hit Heera on the head with a heavy wooden tool, killing him on the spot. He then buried his body in his house and threatened Jas of dire consequences if she spilled the beans," said Dinesh Partap.

The SSP said "shocked over the incident", Jas went to one of her relatives in Balor Khera village in Muktsar district. After a few days, Gurmej went to take Jas back home and on the way strangulated her.

The Lambi police in Muktsar had registered a case of blind murder on January 20 after the body of Jas was found in Kera Khera village.

The SSP said after strangulating his daughter, Gurmej, with the help of Surjan Singh, exhumed the body of Heera, took it to Ghokhiwala village and set it afire.

"We have got a few bones from that place and would send them for the DNA test," the SSP said, adding that the police were also examining the role of Gurmej's son, who was reportedly also present when Heera was murdered.