AAP Sarpanch’s Son Shot Dead in Punjab Over Old Family Rivalry, BJP Questions Law and Order

The son of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) village sarpanch was shot dead in Amritsar district of Punjab on Monday evening, October 26, 2026. His friend was also injured in the attack. The incident took place outside a gurdwara in Jheete Kalan village after the two men had offered prayers. Police suspect an old family rivalry behind the murder, while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the AAP government over the law-and-order situation in Punjab.

According to the police, the victim, Tirath Singh, was returning from the gurdwara with his friend, Ranjeet Singh, when the attackers opened fire on them. Around seven to eight rounds were fired. Tirath was hit by two bullets and died, while Ranjeet suffered a bullet injury to his thigh. He is receiving treatment at a hospital and is reported to be out of danger.

Police Suspect Old Family Rivalry

Police said the initial investigation points to an old family dispute as the possible reason for the attack. Amritsar Rural Senior Superintendent of Police Kavalpreet Singh Chahal reportedly said the incident did not appear to be a gang war based on the information available so far. The police are investigating the case to establish the exact reason behind the shooting.

The police have named four suspects in the First Information Report (FIR). They are Gurjant, Gora, Harkirat, also known as Hockey, and Gurditt Singh. Police teams are conducting raids to find and arrest them. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspects roles are yet to be established in court.

Victim’s Family Alleges Drug-Related Motive

Tirath Singh’s brother, Karaj Singh, has alleged that the attack may be linked to the family’s opposition to drug peddlers. However, this claim has not been confirmed by the police. Karaj Singh is a Block Samiti member, while their mother serves as the village sarpanch. Police are examining the available information to determine the motive behind the killing.

The incident has also led to political criticism of the Punjab government. BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu questioned the AAP government’s ability to protect people, including local political leaders. He reportedly said that if the government could not protect its own village leaders, it raised questions about the safety of ordinary citizens. The BJP has used the incident to raise concerns about law and order in the state.

Punjab Police are continuing their investigation and efforts to arrest the four named suspects. The exact motive behind the murder remains under investigation, and the police have so far pointed to a possible personal rivalry. The case has reportedly raised fresh concerns about public safety in Punjab as the state moves towards the 2027 Assembly elections.