Amritsar, Punjab – In yet another shocking act of violence in Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Valtoha village sarpanch Jarmal Singh, 50, was shot dead on Sunday while attending a wedding ceremony in Amritsar district. The killing, which occurred in broad daylight at a popular resort near the Verka bypass, has sent shockwaves across the state, highlighting persistent law and order challenges even as the ruling party faces growing criticism for alleged administrative lapses.

Jarmal Singh was attending the wedding of the sister of Amarkot’s sarpanch, Harjit Singh Serry, in a neighboring village. The function was being attended by several dignitaries, including AAP MLA Sarwan Singh Dhun, who was present at the same venue. According to eyewitness accounts, Singh was sitting in the courtyard with other guests when two unidentified men, dressed in formal suits and posing as wedding attendees, opened fire at him. Initial investigations suggest that he was shot in the head and succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.

The killing comes just weeks after the high-profile assassination of 30-year-old kabaddi player and promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh, also known as Rana Balachauria, who was gunned down on December 15 in Mohali during a tournament. Balachauria’s murder, carried out in a public setting in the presence of spectators and fellow players, bore disturbing similarities to Singh’s killing, with both incidents occurring in spaces that were assumed to be secure. While the police have not yet established a direct connection between the two crimes, the timing and brazen nature of the attacks have raised alarm among citizens and authorities alike.

Attack at the Wedding Venue

According to initial reports from the Amritsar police, the assailants were able to infiltrate the wedding venue by posing as guests, blending seamlessly with the crowd. Eyewitnesses stated that Singh was caught unawares as the shooters opened fire in the courtyard. MLA Sarwan Singh Dhun, who had been sharing tea with Singh moments before the attack, recounted the events. “We were together at the function and had tea. After that I went inside the hall to have lunch. Jarmal Singh remained sitting in the courtyard with other guests. Suddenly, I heard about the firing outside the hall. When I rushed outside, I saw that Jarmal Singh had been injured critically in the firing and he was being taken to the hospital,” Dhun said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP-City) Jagjit Singh Walia confirmed that a detailed investigation had been launched, involving human intelligence sources and technical surveillance. “Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the attackers. Soon we will trace the attackers,” he said, stressing the urgency of the probe.

Extortion Threats and Prior FIRs

The slain sarpanch had reportedly been receiving extortion calls prior to his murder. Sarwan Singh Dhun revealed that Singh had approached the Valtoha police station to lodge a formal complaint regarding these threats, leading to police action against some individuals linked to the case. While the details of the FIR and subsequent investigations have not been fully disclosed, authorities are examining whether the extortion threats were connected to the assassination.

According to Dhun, Singh’s death is not only a personal loss but also a significant blow to local governance, as he was sarpanch of a major village in Tarn Taran district. “His death is a great loss to me as he was sarpanch of a big village. Rest, the police are investigating the incident,” Dhun said, underlining the gravity of the situation for both political leadership and local administration.

Public Reaction and Political Fallout

The murder has sparked outrage across Punjab, with political leaders demanding accountability from the state government. Former Punjab minister and Congress MLA Pargat Singh held the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP administration responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation. “If people are being assassinated even during social functions, it clearly shows that criminals no longer fear the law. This is a direct result of the incompetence and indifference of the AAP government,” he said.

Singh further called on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to resign, stating, “Punjab needs decisive governance, not hollow slogans. If Bhagwant Mann has any moral responsibility, he should resign immediately.” The remarks reflect growing frustration over the handling of high-profile murders and increasing concerns about public safety in Punjab’s urban and rural areas.

Residents of Tarn Taran and neighboring districts have expressed fear over the rising number of targeted killings, which include politicians, sports personalities, and community leaders. The attacks, often carried out in public spaces during ceremonies or tournaments, highlight the audacity of criminal elements in Punjab and have prompted calls for stricter security measures at social and public events.

Law Enforcement Response

In response to the incident, Amritsar police have intensified security measures in the city and surrounding districts. Teams are reportedly tracing CCTV footage, questioning wedding attendees, and coordinating with intelligence units to identify the shooters. Investigators are also probing potential links between Singh’s murder and prior extortion complaints, as well as any organized crime elements that may be operating in the region.

Authorities are particularly focused on identifying the two assailants who entered the wedding venue posing as guests. Their ability to carry out such a targeted attack in a public setting has raised questions about security arrangements at social gatherings and the effectiveness of local policing. Technical surveillance and human intelligence are being employed to map potential escape routes, trace digital communications, and uncover any networks that may have facilitated the crime.

Similarities with Mohali Murder

The parallels with the Mohali killing of kabaddi player Rana Balachauria have not gone unnoticed. Balachauria was shot dead by three assailants in front of spectators during a tournament near the Sohana police station. Both killings occurred in crowded public settings, involved shooters who were able to blend in with the crowd, and were carried out in broad daylight, pointing to a trend of increasingly audacious targeted attacks.

Police officials, however, have clarified that no direct link has been established between the two cases. Nonetheless, the similarities have heightened public concern about security at social, sporting, and political events, prompting authorities to review protective measures for public figures, community leaders, and event attendees.

Political Implications

The assassination of Jarmal Singh has significant political implications in Punjab. It raises questions about the capacity of the ruling AAP government to maintain law and order, especially in rural districts where political leaders and local representatives may be vulnerable to targeted attacks. Critics argue that repeated incidents of high-profile killings suggest systemic weaknesses in policing, intelligence gathering, and preventive measures, undermining public confidence in governance.

The AAP, for its part, has pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the need for swift justice and reassurance of public safety. Party leaders have urged calm and restraint, highlighting that law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators and taking measures to prevent further incidents.

Conclusion

The murder of Jarmal Singh underscores the ongoing challenges Punjab faces in controlling targeted violence, extortion, and politically motivated crimes. With the state witnessing a spate of high-profile killings in recent weeks, including the assassination of kabaddi player Rana Balachauria, citizens and political leaders alike are demanding urgent action to restore law and order.

As investigations continue, questions linger over the effectiveness of existing security protocols, the role of criminal networks in perpetuating such acts, and the accountability of authorities tasked with safeguarding public officials and community leaders. In the meantime, residents of Tarn Taran, Amritsar, and other districts are left grappling with the shock of yet another brazen act of violence in a state long celebrated for its vibrant culture and strong community ties.

The Amritsar police have assured the public that all leads are being pursued, and that the assailants will be identified and brought to justice. However, the tragic killing of Jarmal Singh serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced by local leaders and the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle violent crime in Punjab.

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