In a shocking incident that underscores a grim pattern of violence, a former kabaddi player was brutally shot dead in broad daylight in Punjab's Ludhiana district on Monday. This marks the third brazen murder in the state within just three days, triggering severe criticism from opposition parties over the deteriorating law and order situation.
The Brazen Killing in Manuke Village
The latest victim has been identified as Gagandeep Singh, also known as Gagna, aged 36. The incident occurred at Dana Mandi in Manuke village. According to police reports, Gagandeep was present at the market with his friend, Ekam, when a group of assailants arrived on motorcycles and opened fire. After shooting him, the attackers dumped his body in a nearby field.
Ludhiana Rural Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ankur Gupta confirmed that Gagandeep sustained three bullet injuries. In a move that displayed chilling audacity, the killers later drove to the victim's family home in the same village. They announced to his relatives, "tuhada banda maar ta, chak lo jaake" (we have killed your boy, go and pick up his body), before fleeing the scene.
A Village Rivalry Turns Deadly
Initial investigations point towards a local feud as the motive. Ludhiana Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Satinder Singh stated that the killing stemmed from a "village-level rivalry." The primary accused has been named as Gursewak Singh alias Motu, who, along with his accomplices, allegedly opened fire following a minor clash earlier in the day. The DIG noted that both the victim and the main accused hail from the same village and have previous criminal records.
Gagandeep's father, Gurdeep Singh Bagga, provided a heartbreaking account. He revealed that his son, a former kabaddi player who currently worked as a labourer at a rice sheller, was trying to mediate in a dispute between his friend Ekam and the assailants. "The accused had a rivalry with my son's friend Ekam. My son was trying to mediate... but they shot him dead," the grieving father told The Indian Express.
The victim's wife, Navpreet Kaur, added that the accused had previously attacked Ekam with swords on December 31. She claimed the assailants were opposed to her husband and Ekam playing kabaddi together.
Political Fallout and Condemnation
The brutal murder, coming on the heels of two other political killings, has ignited a firestorm of criticism against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Opposition leaders were quick to hold Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accountable.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal held CM Mann "directly responsible" for the incident. Punjab BJP vice president Arvind Khanna said the murder "exposes the collapse of law and order" in the state, blaming the AAP government. State Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring echoed the sentiment, stating the incident highlights a "failed law and order situation" where no one feels safe.
Local AAP MLA from Jagraon, Sarvjit Kaur Manuke, who also belongs to Manuke village, condemned the killing. She described Gagandeep as someone who promoted kabaddi among underprivileged youth and demanded strict action. "I have told the SSP that such hooliganism won't be tolerated anymore," she asserted.
A State Reeling from Violence
This murder is the third in a disturbing series. On Sunday, AAP leader and sarpanch Jarmal Singh was shot dead while attending a wedding in Amritsar. A day before that, Congress worker Umarseer Singh was killed in Moga district. Following Jarmal Singh's killing, CM Mann had issued strict instructions to the Director General of Police for the swift arrest of the culprits.
Police officials have confirmed that one of the five accused named by Gagandeep's family has already been arrested. An FIR for murder has been registered at the Hathur police station against all named accused, and a manhunt is underway for the remaining individuals.
The tragic episode has left Gagandeep's family, including his wife and three young children, devastated, raising urgent questions about public safety and gang violence in Punjab's rural heartland.
