Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and sarpanch of Valtoha village in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district, Jarmal Singh (50), was shot dead by two unidentified assailants while attending a wedding function at a popular resort near the Verka bypass in Amritsar on Sunday.
According to eyewitnesses, Jarmal Singh was enjoying the function when the attackers caught him unawares and opened fire. The incident occurred in the presence of several guests, including AAP MLA Sarwan Singh Dhun, who was also attending the wedding.
The killing comes just weeks after the murder of kabaddi player-cum-promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh alias Rana Balachauria (30), who was shot dead during a tournament in Mohali on December 15. While both killings took place in public settings, police have said that no direct connection between the two cases has been established so far.
Shooters posed as wedding guests
Jarmal Singh was attending the wedding of the sister of Amarkot village sarpanch Harjit Singh Serry. Initial investigations suggest that the attackers, dressed in formal suits, entered the venue posing as wedding guests.
Police sources said that Jarmal Singh was shot in the head. After the shooting, the assailants fled the scene, triggering panic among guests.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP-City) Jagjit Singh Walia said that a detailed investigation had been launched.
“We are conducting a thorough probe with the help of human intelligence and technical surveillance. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the attackers,” he said.
Victim had received extortion threats
AAP MLA Sarwan Singh Dhun, who represents the Khemkaran constituency where Valtoha village is located, said Jarmal Singh had been receiving extortion calls prior to his death.
“We had tea together at the function. I went inside the hall for lunch, while Jarmal Singh remained seated in the courtyard. Suddenly, we heard gunshots. When I rushed outside, he had already been critically injured and was being taken to hospital,” the MLA said.
“He had earlier lodged an FIR at Valtoha police station after receiving extortion threats, and police had taken action against some persons,” Dhun added, though further details were not immediately available.
Political reactions
Reacting sharply to the incident, former Punjab minister and Congress MLA Pargat Singh held the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation.
“If people are being assassinated even during social functions, it shows criminals no longer fear the law. This is the result of the incompetence of the AAP government,” he said, according to ANI.
“Punjab needs decisive governance. If Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has any moral responsibility, he should resign,” Pargat Singh added.