Bathinda, Aug. 2 -- A local court has acquitted four persons, including the father of designated pro-Khalistan terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, accused in the sensational murder of a city-based restaurateur in October 2023.

"Aarti Johal, the widow of victim Harjinder Singh Johal and complainant in the case, and two employees of the deceased, Jagmail Singh and Vikram Singh, have not supported the case of the prosecution," said the special court of sessions judge Rajesh Kumar in its order on Thursday.

The court termed the trio "hostile" while acquitting Paramjit Singh, Kamaljit Singh, Lovely Singh and Charanjit Singh, Dalla's father, who is named in multiple heinous crimes, including extortion.

"The prosecution has not be...