AAP sarpanch’s son shot dead outside gurdwara in Amritsar; murder sparks political row

The killing of the son of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) village sarpanch in Punjab’s Amritsar district has triggered a political confrontation, with the Opposition questioning the state government’s ability to maintain law and order ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Tirath Singh was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Jheete Kalan village in the Amritsar rural area on Monday evening, while his friend, Ranjeet Singh, was injured in the attack. Police suspect that the killing stemmed from an old family rivalry, while the victim’s brother has alleged that the family was targeted because it had raised its voice against drug peddlers.

The incident took place at around 7.30 pm when Tirath Singh and Ranjeet Singh were returning after offering prayers at the gurdwara. According to preliminary information, assailants from the same village opened fire on the two men, reportedly firing seven to eight rounds.

Tirath Singh sustained two bullet wounds and died at the spot. Ranjeet Singh was shot in the thigh and taken to hospital for treatment. Police said he was out of danger.

Police identify four suspects, raids underway

Police have identified four suspects in connection with the murder: Gurjant, Gora, Harkirat, alias Hockey, and Gurditt Singh. An FIR naming the four has been registered, and multiple police teams are conducting raids to arrest them.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Amritsar Rural) Kavalpreet Singh Chahal said the preliminary investigation pointed to personal enmity rather than a gang war.

He said the police were working to establish the circumstances behind the shooting and ensure the suspects were arrested as soon as possible.

The victim’s family has also raised concerns about the motive behind the attack. His brother, Karaj Singh, alleged that the family had repeatedly spoken out against drug peddlers and suggested that this could have led to the killing.

Karaj Singh is a member of the Block Samiti, while their mother is the village sarpanch.

BJP targets AAP government over law and order

The murder has triggered a political confrontation in Punjab, with BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu questioning the AAP government’s ability to protect residents, including people associated with the ruling party.

Bittu said the incident showed that even leaders and families linked to the ruling party were not safe in the state.

“When a government cannot even secure the homes of its own village heads, what protection can it possibly offer to Punjab?” he wrote in a post on X.

The Opposition has used the killing to renew its criticism of the state government over law and order, while police have maintained that the preliminary findings point to personal enmity rather than a gang-related attack.

The investigation is continuing, with police teams searching for the four named suspects. The motive behind the shooting remains subject to further investigation, and the allegation that the family was targeted for speaking out against drug peddlers has not been established by the police so far.