Amritsar: The son of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sarpanch was shot dead in Punjab’s Amritsar district on Monday night after unidentified assailants allegedly opened indiscriminate fire outside a gurdwara. His friend was also injured in the attack, police said.
The deceased, identified as Tirath Singh, was returning after paying obeisance at a gurdwara in Chite Kalan village when the assailants allegedly opened fire on him and his friend, Ranjit Singh.
According to preliminary information, around seven to eight rounds were fired during the attack, leaving Tirath Singh critically injured. Locals rushed both victims to a hospital, where doctors declared Tirath Singh brought dead. Ranjit Singh was admitted for treatment, and his condition was stated to be out of danger.
The incident took place under the jurisdiction of the Chatiwind police station in Amritsar.
Four Accused Booked, No Arrests Yet
Police have registered an FIR against four people based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s family. The accused have been identified as Gurdit Singh, Gurjant Singh, Harkirat Singh alias Hockey, and Gora. All four are reportedly absconding.
Police said initial findings point towards an old rivalry as the possible motive behind the murder. Investigators are conducting raids to arrest the accused and establish the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The deceased was the son of the incumbent AAP sarpanch of the village. His brother, Karaj Singh, is a Block Samiti member.
According to the complaint, the family had an earlier dispute with a group from the same village. Karaj Singh alleged that members of this group were behind the attack. Police are investigating the allegations.
Police Intensify Investigation
Following the incident, police personnel reached the spot and began examining the circumstances of the shooting. Security arrangements were also strengthened in the area as efforts continued to trace the suspects.
Investigators are questioning people in connection with the case and are working to determine the motive behind the attack.
Ravneet Singh Bittu Targets Punjab Government
The killing also triggered a political reaction, with BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu criticising the Punjab government over the law-and-order situation.
In a Facebook post, Bittu questioned the government’s ability to ensure public safety, pointing out that even representatives associated with the ruling party were not secure.
He described the killing as a reflection of the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Punjab and targeted Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over the state’s security arrangements.
Police have yet to make any arrests in the case, and further investigation is underway.