Punjab sarpanch murder: Oppn blasts AAP govt over deteriorating law and order

January 5, 2026

Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is facing sharp opposition attacks over the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. A sarpanch from the ruling party was shot dead during a wedding ceremony in Amritsar.

Sarpanch Jarnail Singh had arrived at Marigold Resort to attend a relative’s wedding when unknown assailants shot him in the head. He was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he died during treatment. Police officials said the investigation into the case is ongoing.

This murder comes amid two high-profile murders in the state within four days. On Saturday, a Congress worker working for Nestle was shot dead in Moga district, in which the AAP sarpanch of the same village is alleged to be involved. This was followed by the murder of another AAP sarpanch, who was allegedly receiving threats from gangsters.

Opposition attacks AAP government over law and order

Reacting to the incident, BJP leader Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa said that there is no longer any form of government in Punjab.

He told IANS, “Every morning, we hear news of a village leader being killed. First, a gangster opened fire in front of thousands of people and escaped. Then, a Congress supporter was shot 20 times in Moga. Now, an AAP sarpanch has been murdered.”

Taking aim at the Chief Minister, he said, “AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal used to say he would end crime within 24 hours, but now, multiple murders are taking place within 24 hours.”

Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also attacked the government, saying that law and order has completely collapsed.

He said, “This is the second incident in Amritsar where people had to hide under tables to save their lives.”

Referring to a video of the incident, Warring said, “A man is eating and, without warning, he is shot in the head. The attackers walk away calmly. What will the police do now?”

Police investigation underway, leaders express serious concern

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh said that the fear of criminals has vanished in Punjab.

He said, “Earlier, criminals used to come with their faces covered, but now they openly fire at wedding ceremonies and leave. The criminals fear no one; the fear is only among the common people.”

JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad also criticized the AAP government, saying that despite tall promises, the ground reality is completely different.

He said, “The Chief Minister’s advertisements are all over newspapers and TV, but the government has failed on both fronts—law and order and development.”

Meanwhile, police officials stated that the case is being investigated from every angle and the accused will be arrested soon. Police also revealed that Jarnail Singh had been attacked three times before.