Amritsar: A suspected dispute dating back to an earlier clash has emerged as a possible motive behind the killing of Tirath Singh, brother of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Karaj Singh, in Jhite Kalan village on Monday night. His friend, Ranjit Singh, was wounded in the same shooting near a local gurdwara.
Police said the two men were returning from the gurdwara after paying obeisance when they were allegedly confronted by a group of assailants. The attackers reportedly fired seven to eight rounds and fled shortly afterwards.
Tirath Singh was seriously injured in the firing. He was taken to a hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Ranjit Singh was also admitted for treatment, but his condition was reported to be out of danger.
Amritsar Rural Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal confirmed that four people had been named in the case: Gurdit Singh, Harkirat Singh, Gurjant Singh and Gora. All four are residents of Jhite Kalan village. Police teams have been conducting raids to locate them.
According to the police account, Gurdit Singh allegedly had an old grievance against Karaj Singh and his family. The two sides had reportedly been involved in a previous confrontation, which villagers had helped resolve.
Investigators suspect the dispute flared up again on Monday night. The accused allegedly approached Tirath Singh and Ranjit Singh near the gurdwara, where a verbal exchange reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation. Gunfire followed, leaving Tirath Singh dead and his companion injured.
Karaj Singh is a block samiti member, and his mother serves as the village sarpanch with the AAP.
The Chatiwind police registered a case against the four accused based on statements from the victim’s family. No arrests had been made when this report was filed, and the investigation and search for the suspects were continuing.
