Amritsar (Chandigarh): A Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Councillor, Harjinder Singh Bahman, was gunned down in broad daylight by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle in Amritsar on Sunday. The fatal shooting occurred near a Gurdwara in the Chheharta area, sending shockwaves through the local community and triggering political outrage.
According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary police investigations, three masked men approached Bahman as he exited a function and opened fire at close range. The 45-year-old Councillor sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
“He was on his way when at least three armed individuals riding a motorcycle intercepted him and fired multiple rounds,” said Harpal Singh Randhawa, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police. “An investigation is underway, and we are reviewing all possible angles, including prior threats.”
Victim’s Family Alleges Prior Threats
The family of Harjinder Singh claims that the attackers were the same men who had previously issued threats and even opened fire at his home in recent days. They accused the authorities of ignoring earlier complaints and failing to provide security despite the clear danger to his life.
CCTV Footage Reveals Earlier Attack
Bikram Singh Majithia, Shiromani Akali Dal’s General Secretary, released CCTV footage from the earlier incident outside Bahman’s home. The footage, dated just days before the murder, shows two masked assailants entering a narrow street around 1 AM. One of them attempts to fire at the house, while the other successfully discharges two rounds before both flee the scene.
Majithia slammed the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, blaming it for a worsening law and order situation in Punjab.
“Why was no action taken even after the DGP was informed of the threat?” Majithia asked. “Today, Harjinder Singh has been murdered because of government inaction. The AAP government must wake up and take immediate steps to restore safety in the state.”
Political Fallout and Police Action
The murder has triggered political outrage and renewed concerns over deteriorating public safety in Punjab. Opposition parties have begun questioning the administration’s ability to maintain law and order, particularly after high-profile threats go unaddressed.
Police have launched a manhunt for the assailants and are examining CCTV footage from the scene of the murder and nearby areas. Forensic teams have also been deployed, and Bahman’s phone records and recent communications are being scrutinized as part of the investigation.
As the state mourns the loss of a local leader, pressure is mounting on the Punjab government to take swift action and bring those responsible to justice.
