A 71-year-old Indian-origin woman from the United States was murdered in Punjab’s Ludhiana after she travelled from Seattle to marry a UK-based non-resident Indian (NRI). The incident, which took place in July, has come to light only recently, officials said.

The victim, identified as Rupinder Kaur Pandher, was allegedly killed by Charanjit Singh Grewal, a 75-year-old man from Ludhiana who was supposed to be her bridegroom, according to a PTI report.

The case surfaced after Pandher’s sister, Kamal Kaur Khairah, found her phone switched off on July 24. Four days later, on July 28, she alerted the US embassy in New Delhi after growing suspicious. The embassy then asked local police to investigate.

Investigations showed that Grewal, who is based in England but hails from Ludhiana, had called Pandher to India for marriage. However, instead of tying the knot, he allegedly arranged for her killing.

Police first arrested Sukhjeet Singh Sonu of Malha Patti in connection with the case. During questioning, Sonu confessed to murdering Pandher at his house and then burning her body in a storeroom.

According to police, Sonu carried out the crime on Grewal’s instructions. He was promised ₹50 lakh in return. Officials said the motive appeared to be financial, as the victim had transferred a large sum of money to Grewal before her visit to India.

The Khairah family only learned about Pandher’s death earlier this week. Grewal has been named a suspect in the case and is currently absconding.

Police have confirmed that investigations are still underway to trace Grewal and gather further evidence.