A long-standing dispute over the village sarpanch post turned deadly in Punjab's Amritsar district after rival groups exchanged gunfire at the grain market in Bhakna Kalan village, leaving one person dead and another injured. Police have arrested nine accused so far, including an injured suspect, while raids are continuing to apprehend the remaining individuals named in the case.
Background of the incident
According to DSP Attari Yadvinder Singh, SHO Inspector Amandeep Singh of Gharinda Police Station received information at around 7:30 pm on July 9 that two rival factions, led by village Sarpanch Gurdeep Singh and Panchayat member Pargat Singh alias Ballu, had gathered at the Bhakna Kalan grain market. The two groups had reportedly been at odds for a long time over issues related to the village sarpanch post.
Police said both sides had allegedly agreed to meet at the grain market to discuss the ongoing dispute. Around 10 to 15 vehicles carrying supporters from both the parties reached the location. What initially appeared to be a discussion quickly escalated into a heated confrontation, which soon turned violent. Members of both groups allegedly opened fire at each other, resulting in chaos at the scene.
Details of the victim
By the time police teams reached the spot, several rounds of gunfire had already been exchanged. During the firing, Gursharan Singh alias Cheeni, a resident of Kotli Sakka village under Rajasanasi Police Station and associated with Pargat Singh's group, sustained fatal bullet injuries. He was declared dead. Another individual, identified as Sukhman, suffered gunshot injuries and was admitted to hospital for treatment.
Police investigation
Following the incident, police launched an immediate operation and arrested eight accused from the scene and nearby areas. Sukhman, who is currently receiving medical treatment under police security, has also been formally arrested, taking the total number of arrests to nine. Police officials said that multiple teams are conducting raids to trace and arrest the remaining accused named in the FIR. They added that all those arrested will be produced before the court as the investigation progresses.
Appeal to the public
The incident has created tension in the area, prompting the police to increase security and maintain a close watch on the situation to prevent any further violence. Authorities have assured that strict legal action will be taken against everyone found involved in the firing and that the investigation is being carried out from all angles.
