Man allegedly hired hit man to kill his ex-father-in-law in India

A man is accused of hiring a hit man in India to kill his ex-father-in-law, who was shot in the head but survived.

A man accused of hiring a hit man to kill his ex-father-in-law remains behind bars after police uncovered his alleged botched plan.

Shiv Sheetal, 42, has been in custody since he was arrested at his Maddington home, in Perth’s southeast, earlier this month after police discovered his alleged plan to kill his ex-father-in-law, who was shot in the head in India.

Indian authorities had been investigating after a 65-year-old man was attacked with a machete before being shot in the back of the head in Kahlon village in Punjab, India, on February 2, 2023.

He survived the shooting after the firearm misfired but was treated for a fractured occipital bone and a serious brain injury.

Punjab police arrested and charged three men with offences relating to the attack.

Indian authorities alleged Perth resident Shiv Sheetal had been actively seeking people to commit the murder of his ex-father-in-law. Picture: Facebook

During their investigations, officers learnt of the alleged involvement of a fourth person – Mr Sheetal.

Indian authorities alleged the Perth resident had been actively seeking people to commit the murder of his ex-father-in-law, the 65-year-old man.

Nearly two weeks after the shooting, the 65-year-old man relocated to Western Australia to be with his family as he recovered.

Upon the man’s arrival into Australia, WA Police launched an investigation into the alleged attempted murder.

Officers later arrested Mr Sheetal for allegedly breaching a family violence restraining order taken out by his ex-wife on June 1.

Police will allege that during this time, the 65-year-old man started receiving further death threats.

Mr Sheetal was arrested after police uncovered his alleged plan to kill his ex-father-in-law, who was shot in the head in India. Picture: WA Police

Mr Sheetal was arrested and charged with one count of attempted unlawfully to kill.

At Mr Sheetal’s first appearance in court, he did not have a lawyer representing him or an interpreter in court.

The magistrate adjourned the matter to August 7 so Mr Sheetal could seek legal advice and for an interpreter to be present so he could understand the charges made against him.

Originally published as Man allegedly hired hit man to kill his ex-father-in-law in India