In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through Punjab, a local village head associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was brutally murdered in full public view at a wedding ceremony in Amritsar on Sunday. The brazen attack, carried out by assailants who made no effort to hide their faces, has raised serious questions about law and order in the state.
Brazen Attack in Broad Daylight
Jarmal Singh, the sarpanch of Valtoha village in Tarn Taran district, was attending a function at the Marigold Marriage Palace when the tragedy unfolded. According to police officials, two unidentified gunmen stormed the resort between 2:30 pm and 3 pm. They located Singh and executed him with a point-blank shot to the head. The attack occurred moments after the bride and groom had left the venue, leaving the guests in a state of horror.
Police sources indicated the assailants acted with chilling premeditation. A police spokesperson stated that eyewitnesses confirmed the attackers did not cover their faces, suggesting a blatant disregard for consequences. The authorities suspect Singh was under detailed surveillance before the murder, indicating a well-planned operation.
Gangsters Claim Responsibility and Political Backlash
Singh was rushed to a nearby hospital after videos surfaced showing him lying injured at the scene, but he later succumbed to his wounds. In a disturbing development, gangster Prabh Dasuwal, along with Donny Bal and others, purportedly claimed responsibility for the murder in a social media post.
The incident triggered sharp political reactions. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal strongly condemned the killing on social media platform X. He linked the murder to other recent shootings in Moga and Kapurthala, calling it a "worrisome pattern." Badal accused the AAP government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann who also holds the home portfolio, of complete policing failure and demanded accountability for the rising lawlessness.
Police Investigation and a History of Threats
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) Ravinder Pal Singh Sandhu assured that the incident is being investigated from all angles and the culprits would be apprehended soon. Additional Deputy Commissioner JS Walia confirmed the resort was cordoned off and guests were being questioned. Police are analyzing CCTV footage to trace the escape route of the suspects and are examining a photograph that has surfaced, allegedly showing the attackers.
This was not the first attempt on Jarmal Singh's life. Police records reveal a grim history, with the sarpanch having survived three previous murder attempts. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Sunday's fatal attack, leaving the community in fear and seeking answers.
