Punjab Police Nab Seven in Connection with AAP Sarpanch's Murder at Amritsar Wedding
Punjab Police have made significant arrests in the high-profile murder case of Jarmal Singh, an AAP leader and sarpanch from Valtoha Sandhua village in Tarn Taran district. The incident occurred during a wedding ceremony in Amritsar on January 4, 2026. Authorities confirmed the arrest of seven individuals, including two shooters directly involved in the killing.
Joint Operation Leads to Arrests in Raipur and Punjab
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav detailed the operation. In a coordinated effort with Chhattisgarh Police, officers apprehended shooters Sukhraj Singh and Karamjit Singh in Raipur. The duo had been hiding there after the crime. DGP Yadav stated that police obtained transit remand for both shooters until January 14 and are transporting them to Amritsar by air.
Overall, the arrests spanned multiple locations. Police captured two suspects in Raipur on Sunday, three in Tarn Taran on Monday, and two earlier in Mohali. Investigation revealed a complex network involving technical leads, different modules, handlers from abroad, and logistical supporters providing vehicles and shelter.
Sophisticated Criminal Operation with International Links
The DGP emphasized that this was a sophisticated criminal operation managed from abroad. Financial assistance flowed to the accused while they were on the run. Key supporters included Jobanjeet of Patti and Jobanjeet from Tarn Taran, who aided three accused individuals. Police followed a CCTV trail for 110 kilometers to trace the escape route.
Logistical support came from Kulwinder Singh, Armandeep Singh, and Harpreet Singh, all arrested in Tarn Taran on Monday. DGP Yadav asserted that organized crime will be targeted aggressively as directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He vowed to identify and bust the criminals' ecosystem, holding all accountable for crimes in Punjab.
Details of the Murder and Previous Attempts
Jarmal Singh was shot at point-blank range at the Marigold Marriage Palace in Amritsar between 2:30 and 3:00 PM on January 4. The attack happened shortly after the bride and groom departed. CCTV footage showed two shooters entering the venue, with one pulling out a gun and firing at Singh's head before fleeing. Singh was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
This was not the first attempt on Singh's life. He survived at least three previous attacks, including a shooting at his vehicle in March 2025. A social media post, allegedly from foreign-based gangsters, claimed responsibility for the murder. It named individuals like Dolly Bal, Prabh Dasuwal, Afridi Toot, Mohabbat Randhawa, Amar Khabbe, and Pawan Shaukeen, linked to the Bambiha gang.
Police Response and Political Fallout
When questioned about lapses in police security at the wedding, DGP Yadav acknowledged that investigations into police personnel failures are ongoing. Those found guilty will face punishment. He identified gangster Prabh Dasuwal, based in Portugal, as the mastermind behind the murder, citing old enmity as the motive. Punjab plans to launch a decisive campaign against organized crime, focusing on extraditing criminals operating from abroad.
In related developments, gangster Harnur Singh, alias Noor, linked to the conspiracy and associated with Prabh Dasuwal and Afridi, was killed in a police encounter in Bhikhiwind, Tarn Taran, on January 6. Police recovered a pistol from the scene.
The case has ignited political controversy. Opposition parties, including the BJP and SAD, condemned the incident and alleged a law-and-order crisis in Punjab. They pointed to multiple murders in early January and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
