AAP leader shot dead at Amritsar wedding, days after kabaddi player’s murder
Another brazen murder in Punjab: AAP leader shot dead at Amritsar wedding, days after kabaddi player's murder in Mohali
- By Gurmehar --
- Sunday, 04 Jan, 2026
Punjab has been shaken by another shocking murder after an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and village sarpanch was shot dead at a wedding function in Amritsar district. The killing has raised serious concerns about law and order in the state, especially as it comes just weeks after the murder of a well-known kabaddi player in Mohali.
The victim, Jarmal Singh, was 50 years old and served as the sarpanch of Valtoha village in Tarn Taran district. He was attending a wedding at a popular resort near the Verka bypass in Amritsar when two unidentified men allegedly shot him dead on Sunday evening.
Shot dead during wedding function
According to police and eyewitnesses, Jarmal Singh was sitting in the courtyard of the resort and enjoying the wedding celebrations when the attackers struck. The two assailants reportedly entered the venue posing as wedding guests. They were dressed in formal suits, which helped them blend in with the crowd without raising suspicion.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers caught Jarmal Singh off guard and opened fire at close range. Initial investigation suggests that he was shot in the head, leaving him critically injured. Panic spread across the venue as guests rushed for safety.
At the time of the incident, AAP MLA Sarwan Singh Dhun was also present at the same wedding. He had been sitting with Jarmal Singh earlier but had gone inside the hall for lunch shortly before the firing took place.
Speaking to the media, the MLA said that he heard gunshots while he was inside the hall. When he rushed outside, he saw Jarmal Singh lying injured and being rushed to the hospital. Doctors later declared him dead.
Soon after the shooting, police teams reached the spot and sealed the area. Senior officers began examining CCTV footage from the resort and nearby roads to identify the attackers and trace their escape route.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Jagjit Singh Walia said a detailed investigation has been launched. He added that the police are using technical surveillance and human intelligence to track down the killers and assured that the accused would be arrested soon.
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Fears grow after recent killings
The murder of Jarmal Singh has caused shock not only in Amritsar but across Punjab. The incident comes just weeks after the killing of kabaddi player and promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh, also known as Rana Balachauria, who was shot dead in Mohali on December 15.
Rana Balachauria was murdered during a kabaddi tournament in Sector 79 of Mohali, barely 300 metres from the Sohana police station. Three assailants opened fire at him in the presence of players and spectators, once again highlighting how criminals are acting without fear in public places.
Although both murders involved gunmen striking in crowded public events, police officials said no direct link has been established between the two cases so far. However, the similarities have raised public concern.
Adding another disturbing detail, MLA Sarwan Singh Dhun revealed that Jarmal Singh had been receiving extortion calls before his death. According to the MLA, Jarmal had registered an FIR at the Valtoha police station after receiving threats. The police had taken action against some suspects based on his complaint, though full details are not yet available.
“He was under threat due to extortion calls,” the MLA said. “His death is a personal loss to me and a big loss for the village, as he was the sarpanch of a large and important area.”
Residents of Valtoha village and nearby areas expressed anger and fear after the incident. Many people said that crimes involving firearms have increased and that political leaders and public representatives no longer feel safe, even at social gatherings.
Opposition leaders have demanded stricter policing and faster action against criminals. Social activists have also called for better security at public events, especially when elected representatives are present.
Police officials said they are examining all possible angles, including personal rivalry, political motives, and extortion threats. Teams are working to identify the suspects through CCTV footage, call records, and local intelligence networks.
The killing of Jarmal Singh has once again put Punjab’s law and order situation under the spotlight. As investigations continue, people across the state are hoping that the attackers will be arrested quickly and strict action will be taken to prevent such violent crimes in the future.
