Punjab Police arrested seven, including two shooters, for the murder of AAP sarpanch Jarmal Singh in Amritsar on January 4
Punjab Police Arrest Seven in Connection with Sarpanch Murder
Punjab Police announced the arrest of seven individuals on Monday. This includes two primary shooters linked to the murder of Jarmal Singh, the AAP-affiliated sarpanch of Valtoha village, on January 4.
Details of the Incident
Jarmal Singh was shot at point-blank range during a wedding at a resort near Amritsar’s Verka Bypass. The attack happened in front of AAP Khemkaran MLA Sarwan Singh Dhun.
Investigation Overview
The investigation involved the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Counter Intelligence units. It covered multiple states, including Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh.
Mastermind and Breakthrough
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that the hit was planned by handlers based abroad. A specialized team tracked the two shooters, Sukhraj Singh and Karmjit Singh, to a hideout in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. They are being brought to Amritsar by air for interrogation.
Technical Efforts in the Investigation
The operation involved a significant technical sweep. Investigators analyzed 110 km of CCTV footage to reconstruct the shooters’ escape route, according to the DGP.
Other Arrests and Network Details
Other suspects arrested include modules from Mohali, Tarn Taran, and Jharkhand. This indicates a sophisticated, decentralized network.
Context of the Murder
The murder of Jarmal Singh occurred during a wedding, sending shockwaves through the border district. The DGP mentioned that the motive was “personal enmity.” However, the scale of the operation suggests a coordinated gang effort.
Related Encounter and Gang Activity
The arrests followed a January 6 encounter near Bhikhiwind. Tarn Taran police neutralized Harnoor Singh, alias Noor, a key aide of the Prabh Dasuwal and Afridi gangs. Police sources confirmed that Harnoor conducted the recce for the sarpanch’s killing.
Trends in Punjab Gang Activity
The Afridi gang has become more active in the Majha region. They often act as the execution arm for foreign-based handlers settling local disputes.
Conclusion
The murder of the Valtoha sarpanch highlights a growing trend in Punjab. Local disputes are increasingly escalated by international handlers. Gangs are using hired guns from states like Jharkhand and hiding them in Chhattisgarh. The Punjab Police countered this tactic through coordination with central agencies.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murder of Jarmal Singh | January 4 | Amritsar | Sarpanch shot at wedding |
| Encounter with Harnoor Singh | January 6 | Bhikhiwind | Key aide neutralized |
| Arrests Made | January 8 | Various | Seven individuals arrested |
