Tirath Singh was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Jheete Kalan village, Amritsar, Monday night at about 7:30 pm, after returning from prayers with his friend Ranjeet Singh. The assailants, all from the same village, fired seven to eight rounds, striking Singh twice and killing him on the spot; Ranjeet Singh, who was wounded in the thigh, is now in a hospital under treatment.
Police say the murder stems from a long‑standing family rivalry that allegedly began over accusations of supporting drug peddlers. The victim’s brother, Karaj Singh, a Block Samiti member, claims the attack was retaliation for the family’s vocal opposition.
Four suspects—Gurjant, Gora, Harkirat (alias “Hockey”), and Gurditt Singh—have been named in the FIR. SSP Amritsar Rural Kavalpreet Singh Chahal told reporters that current investigations point to a personal enmity rather than a gang war, and that police are conducting raids to secure their arrest.
The incident has sparked a flurry of criticism from BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu, who tweeted, “When a government cannot even secure the homes of its own village heads, what protection can it possibly offer to Punjab?” His remarks have added a fresh political dimension to the tragedy.
A resident’s mother, who also serves as the village sarpanch, said the community is shaken, and she hopes the authorities will bring the culprits to justice swiftly. Police have vowed to file charges within 48 hours and to hold a preliminary hearing next week.
tags: ["Punjab", "AAP", "Murder", "Political Violence", "Law Enforcement"]