Chandigarh: A shocking act of violence has shaken Punjab after an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and village sarpanch was gunned down during a wedding celebration in Amritsar, raising serious questions over law and order in the state. The brazen attack, carried out in front of dozens of guests, has triggered widespread outrage across political circles.
The victim, Jarmal Singh, a sarpanch from Tarn Taran district, had attended a marriage function at a private venue near the Verka bypass on Sunday. According to preliminary information, the event was underway as usual when two unidentified men entered the venue, mingled with guests, and suddenly opened fire at close range before fleeing the spot.
Eyewitnesses said panic gripped the venue as shots rang out, forcing guests to run for safety. Singh was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but was declared dead by doctors shortly after arrival.
A CCTV video of the incident, now circulating widely on social media, appears to show the attackers calmly walking through the crowd before carrying out the shooting. The visuals have intensified public anger and political reactions, with opposition leaders citing the incident as proof of worsening security conditions in Punjab.
Senior police officials confirmed that the assailants allegedly disguised themselves as wedding guests to avoid suspicion. Multiple investigation teams have been formed, and authorities are using technical surveillance and local intelligence to track down the suspects. No arrests have been made so far.
The killing has reignited the political debate over public safety, with opposition parties accusing the state government of failing to curb violent crime. Meanwhile, police have assured swift action and claimed that all possible angles, including personal rivalry and political motives, are being examined.
