Amritsar: A long-running dispute linked to village panchayat politics turned violent in Punjab’s Amritsar district after armed groups allegedly exchanged heavy gunfire, leaving one person dead and another injured. Police have launched an extensive investigation and arrested several suspects in connection with the incident.
According to police officials, the clash took place on Friday evening in the grain market area of Bhakna Kalan village under the Gharinda police station limits. The confrontation is believed to have stemmed from an ongoing rivalry between two local groups over the village’s sarpanch leadership.
Investigators said members of both factions allegedly reached the location in multiple vehicles before a heated argument escalated into firing. Witnesses claimed dozens of rounds were fired during the exchange, creating panic in the area as residents rushed for safety.
One of the individuals caught in the firing, identified as Gursharan Singh alias Cheeni, sustained critical bullet injuries and later died. Another man, Sukhman, was injured during the incident and is receiving medical treatment.
Senior police officers reached the village soon after receiving information about the violence and cordoned off the area. Forensic teams have begun collecting evidence, including empty cartridge cases, while investigators are examining CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Police confirmed that nine accused have been taken into custody so far, including the injured suspect who was formally arrested while undergoing treatment. Raids are continuing to trace the remaining individuals named in the case.
Officials said multiple criminal charges, including murder, attempt to murder, and offences under the Arms Act, are expected to be invoked as the investigation progresses.
Authorities have appealed to residents to maintain peace and assured that strict action will be taken against everyone found responsible for the violence. Security has also been intensified in the village to prevent any further escalation between the rival groups.
