Punjab cop shot dead in Amritsar, BJP and Congress target AAP over law and order

A Punjab Police assistant sub-inspector was shot dead in Amritsar while on duty early Friday, with two unidentified men allegedly chasing him on a motorcycle before opening fire at close range. The killing has triggered criticism from the BJP and Congress over the law-and-order situation in the state.

The deceased officer, Harjit Singh, was a resident of Tarn Taran district and was deployed on PCR duty. He was attacked near the Bhagtanwala grain market around midnight, according to the account provided by Punjab Police.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said the assailants followed Singh on a two-wheeler before firing at him with a .30 bore pistol.

"He was shadowed by assailants on a two-wheeler, and the shooting was carried out at close range using a .30 bore pistol," Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav told reporters after inspecting the crime scene this morning.

"A single bullet struck him from behind, slightly towards the back of the neck," he said, adding that the exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem.

Police recovered a .30 bore empty cartridge case from the spot and sent it for forensic examination. CCTV footage from the area is also being examined as part of the investigation.

"There were blood spots found at the scene," he said.

Rs 1 crore aid announced

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condoled Singh's death and announced Rs 1 crore in compensation for his family.

"His immense courage and dedication to duty will always be remembered. The Punjab Government stands like a rock with the martyr's family in this hour of grief," he posted on X. "This great sacrifice of his will continue to inspire all of us to perform our duty with full bravery and honesty," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader added.

The shooting comes days after another attack on a Punjab Police assistant sub-inspector in Amritsar. On September 11, Jaswant Singh was allegedly fired upon by two motorcycle-borne men while returning after duty. A bullet grazed his head, causing a minor injury, and he is recovering.

BJP, Congress target AAP

The killing prompted political reactions from the BJP and Congress, with both parties raising concerns over law and order in Punjab.

"Bhagwant Mann's rule has seen the complete demise of law and order on Punjab's soil," BJP's Tarun Chugh said in a video statement.

"When the police stations and police personnel themselves are not safe, it's clear that there's no trace left of anything called administration on the ground," the Rajya Sabha MP added.

Congress leader Manish Tiwari said the incident showed that the law and order situation in Punjab was "not normal" and called for stronger measures by the Centre and the state government.

"It clearly shows that the law and order situation is not normal. Punjab is a border state, and there is interference from external forces, particularly our neighbouring country Pakistan. Drugs and weapons also come through drones," Tiwari said.