A 35-year-old man who died in a blast while allegedly trying to plant an explosive on railway tracks in Patiala hailed from Panjwar village in Tarn Taran district. The village has a layered legacy, having produced both a former Lok Sabha speaker and figures linked to Khalistani militancy.
Village Background
Panjwar village was once known as the native place of Gurdial Singh Dhillon, a former Lok Sabha speaker. However, it has also been linked to militant figures, including Paramjit Singh Panjwar and Sukhdev Singh Dhillon alias General Labh Singh of the Khalistan Commando Force. The village is now back in focus after the death of Jagroop Singh, a resident who was killed while allegedly attempting to fix the detonator of an explosive on a railway track near Rajpura.
Police Investigation
The incident has led to heightened police activity in the village. Multiple teams have since conducted searches at Jagroop's house. His elder brother, Satnam Singh alias Satta, was taken in for questioning, and his passport, mobile phone, and other documents were seized. Jagroop was killed in the blast near Bothonia village, between Shambhu and Rajpura, police said.
Family Statements
His mother, Balwinder Kaur, said Jagroop had returned home two days before the incident. She added that Satnam Singh was at their flour mill when police took him for questioning. A resident, Satnam Singh, said Jagroop had no known criminal links and had adopted the Nihang way of life about four years ago. He is survived by two children, aged 14 and 9. The family runs a flour mill.
Sarpanch's Account
Village sarpanch Manjit Singh said police teams arrived on Tuesday and searched the house. He described Jagroop as a calm and approachable person. The incident has brought renewed scrutiny to Panjwar village, which has a complex history intertwined with both political leadership and militancy.
