‘Jarmal Singh got extortion calls, filed FIR’: Punjab MLA after AAP sarpanch shot dead in Amritsar

“He got an FIR registered in Valtoha Police Station some time ago. The police took action against some persons acting on his complaint,” the AAP MLA said.

Updated on: Jan 5, 2026, 10:40:12 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

After a sarpanch from the Aam Aadmi Party in Valtoha was shot dead on Sunday, Punjab AAP MLA Sarwan Singh Dhun has said that the deceased had been receiving extortion calls.

The incident took place at a wedding venue near the Verka Bypass in Amritsar. (PTI)

Dhun, who is an MLA from Khemkaran, where the Valtoha village is situated, also said that the sarpanch had also lodged a complaint regarding the extortion attempts.

“He (deceased) was under threat because he got calls for extortion. In this regard, he also got an FIR registered in Valtoha Police Station some time ago. The police took action against some persons acting on his complaint,” Dhun alleged, according to an earlier HT report.

The deceased, identified as Jarmal Singh (50), was shot by unidentified assailants during a wedding in Amritsar, police said. He was shot at point-blank range by two people who were posing as guests at the wedding.

Khemkaran MLA Dhun, who was also at the venue of the wedding function, recounted the incident. ““We were together at the function and had tea. After that I went inside the hall to have lunch. Jarmal Singh remained sitting in the courtyard along with other guests,” Dhun said, adding that he had heard firing outside a hall after some time.

“When I rushed outside, I saw that Jarmal Singh had been injured critically in the firing and he was being taken to the hospital,” Dhun said.

The incident took place near the Verka Bypass in Amritsar.

Officials said that the sarpanch had been shot in the head, adding that efforts were underway to identify the attackers. “We have initiated a detailed probe into the incident...Soon we will trace the attackers,” deputy commissioner of police (City) Jagjit Singh Walia said.

Following the incident, the police visited the scene of the crime and began questioning the guests, including eyewitnesses, according to officials.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.