Amritsar, Jan 5, 2026: Jarmal Singh, a 50-year-old sarpanch from Valtoha village and member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was shot dead on Sunday during a wedding in Amritsar, Punjab police said.

Punjab AAP MLA Sarwan Singh Dhun, representing Khemkaran — where Valtoha is located — stated that the deceased had been receiving extortion threats and had filed a formal complaint with the Valtoha police.

“He got an FIR registered in Valtoha Police Station some time ago. The police took action against some persons acting on his complaint,” Dhun told reporters, according to an earlier report.

Shooting Incident

Police said the attackers posed as guests at the wedding and shot Jarmal Singh at point-blank range, striking him in the head. MLA Dhun, who was also present at the event, recounted the sequence of 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 along with other guests. Later, I heard firing outside and rushed out to find him critically injured. He was taken to the hospital,” Dhun said.

The incident occurred near the Verka Bypass in Amritsar.

Police Action

Officials confirmed that the sarpanch sustained critical head injuries. Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Jagjit Singh Walia said:

“We have initiated a detailed probe into the incident… Soon we will trace the attackers.”

The police visited the crime scene and began questioning guests and eyewitnesses to identify and apprehend the culprits.

This incident comes amid concerns over rising threats to local leaders in Punjab. The police are currently investigating the motive and connections behind the extortion attempts against the deceased sarpanch.