Tarn Taran: An Aam Aadmi Party sarpanch was shot dead by unidentified attackers in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district, with the broad-daylight killing raising fresh concerns over security in the state.
Ashwani Kumar, sarpanch of village Toot, was travelling towards the village grain market when motorcycle-borne attackers opened fire at his vehicle, according to preliminary information.
Kumar was rushed to a private hospital in Patti, where he was declared dead. His associate, Chamkaur Singh, was also seriously injured in the attack and is undergoing treatment.
How Was AAP Sarpanch Ashwani Kumar Killed?
Ashwani Kumar was travelling in an Innova towards the Toot grain market along with his driver, son and accountant when the attackers struck near the village.
According to preliminary information, the assailants were travelling on a motorcycle and opened indiscriminate fire at the vehicle.
Kumar sustained multiple bullet injuries and was taken to a private hospital in Patti. He was later declared dead.
His associate Chamkaur Singh was also injured in the firing and is receiving medical treatment.
The attackers fled the scene on their motorcycle after the shooting.
Did Ashwani Kumar’s Family Receive Ransom Threats?
Kumar’s wife, Parveen Kumari, has alleged that the family had been receiving threats and that Rs 50 lakh was being demanded as ransom.
According to her claim, the family had received repeated threats warning that they would be killed if the money was not paid.
Parveen Kumari also claimed that a gang was behind the threats. She said she had previously asked her husband about the threats, but he did not provide her with details.
These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not yet been independently established by police.
What Is Punjab Police Doing After The Killing?
Police have launched a search for the unidentified attackers.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the motorcycle-borne assailants. Police have also circulated images of the suspected attackers and appealed to the public to provide information that could help identify them.
The killing has created tension in the area, while investigators are working to establish the motive and identify those responsible.
Is This The Second Sarpanch Killing In Punjab In Days?
The Tarn Taran killing comes days after the shooting death of former sarpanch Navtej Singh in Ludhiana.
Navtej Singh, former sarpanch of Manewal village, was allegedly attacked while returning home. Two motorcycle-borne men reportedly stopped his Innova and opened fire, with at least 10 rounds being fired.
The shooting was captured on the SUV’s dashcam.
The two incidents have put the spotlight back on attacks targeting village-level political representatives in Punjab.
What Happened In The Mad Sandhu Murder Case?
The Tarn Taran killing also comes amid the recent murder of Punjabi influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu in Amritsar.
Sandhu was allegedly shot dead by two motorcycle-borne assailants. A social media account allegedly linked to a gang member later claimed responsibility for the killing.
However, any connection between Sandhu’s murder and the killings of the two sarpanches remains to be established by investigators.
The latest Tarn Taran case is now under investigation, with police focusing on identifying the attackers, establishing the motive and determining whether the reported ransom threats were connected to the killing.
