An RTI activist was shot dead outside the main gate of Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, on Tuesday evening. The deceased has been identified as Jaswant Singh, a resident of a nearby village. He was known for his active involvement in filing Right to Information (RTI) applications related to local governance and development issues.
Incident Details
The incident occurred around 7:30 PM when Singh was standing near the university's main gate. Two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at him, firing multiple shots. Singh sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Police Response
Senior police officials, including the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Kapurthala, reached the spot soon after the incident. A forensic team was called in to collect evidence. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the culprits. Preliminary investigations suggest that the murder could be linked to Singh's RTI activism, as he had recently filed several applications exposing alleged irregularities in local development projects.
Reactions and Condolences
The murder has sparked outrage among RTI activists and civil society members. Many have demanded a thorough investigation and swift justice. The state government has assured strict action against the perpetrators. LPU authorities expressed shock over the incident and extended condolences to the family. They stated that the university is cooperating fully with the police investigation.
Background of the Victim
Jaswant Singh, 45, was a well-known RTI activist in the Phagwara region. He had been filing RTI applications for over a decade, focusing on issues such as land grabbing, corruption in the municipal corporation, and misuse of public funds. He had also been involved in social work and was a member of several local rights groups. His family has appealed for justice, stating that he had received threats in the past due to his activism.
The police have formed special teams to nab the killers. They are also investigating whether Singh had any personal enmity or if the murder was a result of his professional work. The case has been transferred to the crime branch for further investigation.
