Tarn Taran: Navpreet Singh alias Navi, the husband of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Sarpanch Kulwinder Kaur, was shot dead outside his home in Tarn Taran on Friday night. The 50-year-old was standing outside with his friend Amrit Singh when he was fired upon, with a bullet striking him in the chest.
Navpreet Singh was rushed to a private hospital in a critical condition, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Police are investigating the murder from multiple angles. SP (I) Riputapan Singh has ordered a high-level inquiry led by DSP Sukhbir Singh and said efforts are underway to arrest the accused.
Navi Shot Outside His Home During Langar Preparations
According to the family, preparations for the Langar for the Baba Buddha Sahib fair were underway in the village on Friday night.
Navpreet Singh was standing outside his house with his friend Amrit Singh when the firing took place. Family members said the bullet hit him in the chest, causing him to collapse.
Bystanders rushed him to a private hospital, but doctors declared him dead after examination.
Akali Leaders Allege Drug Smuggling Dispute
Akali Dal constituency in-charge Kanchanpreet Kaur Randhawa, who visited the family, alleged that Navpreet Singh had opposed drug smuggling in the village and had raised the issue with police.
She alleged that Navpreet had been involved in a longstanding dispute with a local youth, identified as Sonu, whom he allegedly stopped from selling drugs. According to the allegation, Sonu and five to six associates opened fire on Navpreet.
Randhawa also questioned the police response, alleging that police personnel did not reach the spot during the night following the incident. These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation.
Police Probe Personal Enmity Angle
DSP Sukhbir Singh said a confrontation had taken place between two parties on Friday at Addha Kangua under the jurisdiction of Jhabbal police station.
According to the DSP, a heated exchange took place between Sonu, a jewellery shop owner, and Navpreet Singh. The confrontation allegedly escalated into a violent clash, during which Navpreet was hit by a bullet and died.
The DSP said the accused would be arrested based on the statements and evidence gathered during the investigation. Police have also identified the weapon allegedly used in the incident as a licensed .35 rifle.
Police are investigating the allegations related to the drug dispute as well as a possible family dispute. Investigators are examining whether personal enmity or another dispute was behind the murder.