Punjab encounter: Alleged mastermind in AAP sarpanch murder shot dead near Tarn Taran

A gangster accused of planning the murder of an Aam Aadmi Party sarpanch at a wedding in Amritsar was killed in a police encounter on Tuesday near Bhikhiwind in Tarn Taran district, officials confirmed.

The deceased has been identified as Harnoor Singh, a resident of Kathunangal, Amritsar. Police say he orchestrated the killing of Jarmal Singh, the sarpanch of Valtoha Sandhua village, who was shot dead by two assailants during a wedding ceremony earlier this week.

How the operation unfolded

The encounter occurred near Gurdwara Bhai Taru Singh Ji on the outskirts of Bhikhiwind during a joint operation by the Anti-Gangster Task Force and the CIA unit of Tarn Taran.

According to DIG Snehdeep Sharma, Ferozepur Range, police acted on specific intelligence about a suspect moving from Sursingh towards Puhla village. When officers attempted to stop him, the suspect allegedly opened fire.

A policeman, Parmveer Singh, was hit, but his bulletproof jacket prevented serious injury, officials said. Police returned fire, critically wounding Harnoor Singh, who was taken to a government hospital and declared brought dead.

Major outcome: The key suspect in a politically sensitive murder case has been neutralised during a targeted police operation.

Police version and links to organised crime

DIG Sharma said Harnoor Singh was an associate of known gangsters Afridi and Prabh Dasuwal, and also had links with gangster Donny Ball. Preliminary findings indicate he conducted reconnaissance before the murder of Jarmal Singh, suggesting a planned hit rather than a spontaneous attack.

Tarn Taran SSP Surinder Lamba visited the site as investigations continued.

Why this case has drawn attention

The murder of Jarmal Singh, an elected village head, inside a wedding venue in Amritsar, shocked residents and raised alarms over gang influence in local disputes and political spaces. Police believe dismantling the alleged planner’s network is crucial to deterring copycat crimes and retaliatory violence.

Official action: Punjab Police say further probes are underway to map Harnoor Singh’s role in other cases and identify his accomplices.

Broader implications

• Public safety: Authorities argue the encounter removes a central node in a violent network, potentially reducing immediate threats.

• Security: The case highlights targeted policing against organised gangs operating across district lines.

• Governance: An attack on a local elected leader underscores the risks faced by grassroots representatives and the need for stronger protection and intelligence-led enforcement.