AAP leader Gurpreet Gopi shot dead in Punjab’s Ferozepur, police link killing to poll rivalry

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi was shot dead and another man injured after four armed assailants opened fire at them in Ferozepur district, with police saying preliminary investigation has linked the killing to a dispute arising from the recent municipal elections. The attack took place in the main market of Mamdot on Saturday evening when 45-year-old Singh and Harpreet alias Happy, 22, were travelling on a motorcycle.

Police said four men arrived in a car, got out of the vehicle and fired at the two before fleeing the spot. Initial reports had indicated that the victims were travelling in a car, but officials later clarified that they were on a motorcycle.

Nagar Panchayat president escapes attack

According to sources, newly appointed Mamdot Nagar Panchayat president Vicky Maini, also from the AAP, was travelling behind Singh in a separate car when the shooting took place.

The assailants allegedly targeted Maini as well, but he escaped without injuries.

Singh and Harpreet were rushed to the Civil Hospital following the shooting. Doctors declared the AAP leader brought dead, while Harpreet, who sustained injuries in the attack, was subsequently referred to a private hospital in Ludhiana for further treatment.

Police identify four suspects

Ferozepur Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupinder Singh said investigators have identified the accused and multiple police teams have been sent to trace and arrest them.

Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the sequence of events leading up to the attack.

According to the SSP, the murder appears to have stemmed from personal enmity connected with the recently held municipal council elections.

The political background of Singh's family has also emerged as part of the investigation. His father, Balkar Singh, was formerly associated with the Congress, while Singh's sister-in-law was recently elected as a member of the Nagar Panchayat.

Election rivalry under scanner

Investigators are now focusing on whether tensions generated during the local body elections escalated into Saturday's deadly attack.

The broad-daylight-style shooting in Mamdot's main market has also raised concerns over security, particularly as the attackers were able to arrive in a car, fire multiple shots and escape.

Police have launched searches for the four identified suspects and are examining available evidence as they work to establish the individual roles of those involved and the precise motive behind the killing.