In a chilling act of violence that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape and instilled a palpable sense of fear among the citizenry, Harjinder Singh, a prominent Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) councillor from Jandiala Guru, was brutally shot dead by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle in Amritsar on Sunday, May 25, 2025. The brazen daylight murder, occurring in the bustling Chheharta locality, has ignited a fierce political firestorm in Punjab, raising serious questions about the deteriorating law and order situation in the state and intensifying demands for immediate and decisive action from the authorities.
Harjinder Singh, often known by his alias ‘Bahman’, was a well-known figure in local politics, representing Ward No. 2 under the Jandiala Assembly constituency. As an elected representative of the Shiromani Akali Dal, he held considerable influence in his area and was actively involved in addressing the concerns of his constituents. His political work often brought him into direct contact with various sections of society, making his sudden and violent demise all the more alarming. Local residents and party workers remembered him as a diligent councillor committed to public service, though police investigations are now also delving into various facets of his background, including reports of him being out on bail in an excise case and alleged threats he received in connection with raising his voice against drug peddlers in the area.
The attack unfolded with terrifying swiftness and precision. According to initial police reports and eyewitness accounts, the councillor had been attending a function at a gurdwara in Chheharta. As he was leaving the function, reportedly on his way to a nearby hotel for refreshments, he was intercepted by three to four individuals riding on a motorcycle. The assailants, whose faces were reportedly covered, approached him and opened fire indiscriminately, unleashing multiple rounds from their firearms. Harjinder Singh sustained critical injuries in the ambush and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by those present at the scene. However, despite frantic efforts to save his life, he tragically succumbed to his wounds while en route to the medical facility, succumbing to the brutal assault. Eyewitnesses, including a local shopkeeper, recounted hearing gunshots and then seeing the councillor lying in a pool of blood, while masked men swiftly fled the spot on their motorcycle.
The Amritsar Police, responding swiftly to the gravity of the incident, immediately cordoned off the crime scene and launched a comprehensive investigation. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Harpal Singh Randhawa confirmed the incident and the formation of multiple teams to track down the perpetrators. Preliminary investigations have already yielded significant leads. Police have identified three suspects allegedly involved in the murder: Gopi, Amit, and Karan Kira, all residents of Jandiala Guru. Authorities indicated that these individuals are associated with the notorious ‘Krishna gang’, which is believed to be responsible for the execution-style killing. The vehicle used in the crime has also been identified, providing crucial pieces of the puzzle for the ongoing manhunt. Investigators are meticulously examining CCTV footage from the area and gathering statements from eyewitnesses and the victim’s family to piece together the sequence of events and ascertain the precise motive behind the assassination.
The murder of a political figure, particularly one elected by the people, has predictably triggered a furious political backlash in Punjab. The Shiromani Akali Dal, still reeling from the loss, wasted no time in strongly condemning the incident and squarely blaming the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for what they termed a complete “collapse” of law and order in the state. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, in a scathing statement, asserted that Harjinder Singh’s death unequivocally exposed the deteriorating security situation in Punjab. He further alleged that a few days prior to the murder, shots had been fired at the councillor’s house, and despite a complaint being lodged with the police, no concrete action was taken. Badal directly questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Punjab Police chief over this alleged inaction, accusing the government of failing in its fundamental duty to protect its citizens and maintain peace.
Other opposition parties quickly joined the chorus of condemnation. Senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia reiterated the claims that the slain councillor had been receiving threat calls and had informed the police, yet no security or adequate measures were provided. He lashed out at the AAP government, describing the law and order situation as “pathetic” and accusing them of allowing a culture of crime to fester. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also condemned the “brutal broad daylight murder,” stating that it reflected poorly on the prevailing law and order situation. Warring alleged that criminals in Punjab either have no fear of the law or are being patronized by those in power, accusing the AAP government of pushing the state towards “complete lawlessness and anarchy.”
In response, Punjab Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal described Singh’s murder as tragic and unacceptable, expressing deep condemnation for the heinous crime. He assured the people of Punjab that the culprits would not escape justice and reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring peace and eliminating gang culture from the state. Dhaliwal also countered the opposition’s accusations by criticizing what he termed attempts to “politicise” the incident. He further accused the erstwhile SAD-BJP regime of “fostering a culture of crime and drugs” during their tenure, suggesting that the current government was left to “clean up their mess.” The Amritsar rural SSP also refuted claims of an earlier firing at the councillor’s house, clarifying that shots were fired at a neighbour’s residence, and arrests had already been made in that case. The SSP also confirmed that Harjinder Singh was out on bail in an excise case, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
The assassination of an elected municipal councillor in such a brazen manner has undoubtedly generated a wave of fear and insecurity among local residents of Amritsar and indeed across Punjab. The brazenness of the attack, carried out in broad daylight, highlights the impunity with which criminal elements are perceived to be operating. It raises critical concerns about the safety of public figures, particularly those engaged in sensitive local issues, and fuels public demand for a more visible and effective police presence. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the escalating challenges posed by organized crime and gang violence in the state, which the current government had promised to decisively curb.
As the police continue their intensive manhunt for the identified assailants, the focus remains firmly on securing rapid arrests and uncovering the full conspiracy behind this shocking murder. The outcome of this investigation, and the subsequent actions taken by the Punjab government, will be crucial in restoring public confidence in law enforcement and demonstrating a tangible commitment to re-establishing order. The assassination of Harjinder Singh is not merely a crime but a profound challenge to the state’s authority and a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat the menace of crime and ensure the safety of all citizens in Punjab.