AAP Sarpanch's Son Killed in Amritsar Shooting Post-Prayers
Teerath Singh was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Amritsar, raising concerns over safety and political accountability.
Teerath Singh was shot dead after leaving a gurdwara in Amritsar.
The incident is linked to a longstanding land dispute, not political rivalry.
Former minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticized the AAP government for failing to ensure safety.
In a tragic incident on Monday evening, Teerath Singh, the son of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sarpanch, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Cheete Kalan village, Amritsar. He was returning from prayers with his friend Ranjit Singh when assailants opened fire, injuring both men. Teerath was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival, while Ranjit is currently hospitalized but reported to be out of danger.
Authorities have indicated that the shooting may be linked to an ongoing land dispute rather than any political motives. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Yadwinder Singh stated that four individuals have been identified in connection with the attack, although no arrests have been made yet. The police are actively pursuing leads and have formed teams to apprehend the suspects.
Teerath's family suspects that a rival group from their village may be involved in the shooting. This incident has raised alarms about the safety of political figures and their families in Punjab, especially given that Teerath's brother, Karaj Singh, is currently serving as a sarpanch after winning the election on an AAP ticket.
The murder has sparked political outrage, with former Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticizing the AAP government for its inability to maintain law and order in the state. In a post on social media platform X, he described the incident as indicative of a deteriorating security situation in Punjab, stating that even representatives of the ruling party are not safe. He called for accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging him to either ensure public safety or resign.
As investigations continue, the local community is on edge, with many calling for increased security measures. The police are under pressure to resolve the case swiftly and restore a sense of safety in the region, as the implications of this violence extend beyond individual tragedies to broader concerns about governance and public safety in Punjab.
