According to the police, the accused had gunned down Tarlochan Singh due an old enmity which dates back to a 2019 clash. The accused was upset after Tarlochan Singh had pulled his beard and tossed his turban during the clash because of which he nursed a rivalry and gunned down Tarlochan Singh.

The accused has been identified as Ranjit Singh (63) of village Ikolaha. The police have recovered a .32 bore revolver, three live cartridges and a two-wheeler from his possession.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP – Khanna) Ashwini Gotyal said that the accused was arrested soon after the murder of the AAP leader on Monday late.

The SSP revealed that the crime stemmed from an old enmity between the two men, dating back to a 2019 clash. During the altercation, Tarlochan Singh allegedly disrespected Ranjit Singh by pulling his beard and tossing his turban, an incident that deeply offended the accused. Although the villagers had brokered a compromise, Ranjit Singh continued to harbor a grudge.

On Monday night, when Tarlochan Singh, a Kisan Wing leader of Aam Aadmi Party, was heading towards his house on a motorcycle, Ranjit Singh intercepted his way and opened fire targeting Tarlochan Singh. Tarlochan Singh died on the spot after suffering three gunshot wounds, including one to the head.

In addition to the main accused, two other suspects, Kulwinder Singh and Jatinder Singh, have been named in the case based on a statement from the victim’s son, Harpreet Singh Happy. Harpreet alleged that the murder was a premeditated conspiracy, with the two suspects assisting Ranjit Singh.

An FIR has been registered under sections 103(1), 61(2) of the BNS, and 25/54/59 of the Arms Act at the Sadar Khanna police station.