Akali Dal councillor Harjinder Singh Bahman was shot dead by assailants on a motorcycle in Punjab’s Amritsar on Sunday, police said. His relatives alleged that the attackers were the same individuals who had earlier threatened him and fired at his home.
Punjab Police Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Harpal Singh Randhawa told ANI, “Bike-borne miscreants shot him. According to the family, 5-6 boys – Karan, Kishan, Suraj, against whom he had earlier complained that they sell drugs, are involved. They had threatened him earlier, too. 5-6 rounds were fired.”
He further stated that Singh "succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital."
{{/usCountry}}He further stated that Singh "succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital."
{{/usCountry}}Singh’s brother and brother-in-law also claimed the same group was responsible for the earlier threats and firing at his residence, according to the ADCP.
Senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia alleged that the slain councillor had been getting threat calls, which he had reported to the police, but “they did nothing.”
Majithia also criticised the AAP-led Punjab government, saying the state’s law and order had deteriorated, calling it a "pathetic" situation.
3 assailants identified
Police have identified three suspects—Gopi, Amit, and Karan Kira, all from Jandiala Guru—in connection with the murder of SAD councillor Harjinder Singh Bahman, news agency PTI reported. Officials said the accused will be arrested soon, and the vehicle used in the crime has also been identified.
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal strongly criticised the AAP-led government over the incident, alleging a breakdown in Punjab's law and order.
"The death of Harjinder Singh, SAD councillor from Jandiala Guru in Amritsar district, has completely exposed the law and order situation in Punjab," Badal said. He added that shots had been fired at Singh's house a few days earlier, but despite a police complaint, no action was taken.
Badal also questioned chief minister Bhagwant Mann and the state police chief for what he termed police inaction.
Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring also condemned the murder. In a post on X, he wrote, "Brutal broad daylight murder of @Akali_Dal_ councillor Harjinder Singh Bahman is highly condemnable. My sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family."
He further added, "This again reflects poorly on the deteriorating law and order situation prevailing in Punjab. Criminals have either no fear of law or are being patronised by the powers that be. The @AAPPunjab is pushing Punjab towards complete lawlessness and anarchy," Warring alleged.
(With PTI inputs)