AAP Sarpanch Gunned Down at Wedding in Tarn Taran, Cousin Injured in Attack
In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through Punjab, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) village sarpanch was brutally shot dead on Wednesday during a wedding ceremony in Tarn Taran district. The attack unfolded in front of horrified family members and guests, marking a grim escalation of violence in the region.
Details of the Fatal Shooting
The victim, Harbinger Singh, a resident of Thattian Mahanta village, was celebrating at Sidhu Farm in Sarhali when tragedy struck. Around 2:30 pm, as Singh was dancing on stage with relatives, three armed assailants entered the venue and opened fire, discharging approximately four rounds. Singh, a father of two young sons aged 8 and 11, was struck in the head and succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
In the ensuing chaos, his cousin, Germanjit Singh, bravely attempted to chase the gunmen but was shot and injured during the confrontation. He was immediately rushed to a hospital in Amritsar for urgent medical treatment, where he is currently recovering. The swift and violent nature of the attack left attendees traumatized and the community in mourning.
Police Investigation and Suspected Motive
Senior Superintendent of Police Surendera Lamba confirmed that preliminary investigations point towards old enmity as the likely motive behind the killing. Lamba emphasized that Harbinger Singh had not received any extortion threats, ransom calls, or intimidation in the recent past, ruling out immediate financial or criminal pressures. "This appears to be an old rivalry," he stated, adding that police are exploring all possible angles to uncover the full truth.
Forensic teams have recovered crucial evidence from the scene, indicating the use of 9 mm weapons in the assault. This detail aligns with patterns seen in previous violent incidents in the area, raising concerns about the availability of such firearms.
Echoes of Past Violence
The murder evokes chilling memories of a similar attack earlier this year. On January 4, Valtoha sarpanch Jarmal Singh, also an AAP member, was shot dead at a wedding in Amritsar by two assailants who walked through the crowd and fired at point-blank range. In that case, police cracked the murder with the arrest of seven individuals, citing personal enmity as the primary motive. The recurrence of such targeted violence at social gatherings highlights ongoing security challenges in Punjab.
Context of Government Crackdown
This incident occurs at a critical juncture, as the Punjab government has recently launched the second phase of its crackdown on organized crime and gangsters. The timing underscores the persistent threats faced by local leaders and the urgent need for enhanced security measures. Authorities are under pressure to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further such tragedies, ensuring public safety and restoring confidence in law enforcement.
The community remains in a state of shock, with calls for justice growing louder as investigations continue into this heinous crime.
