Tarn Taran: Police in Tarn Taran on Sunday reported a major development in the investigation into the killing of village sarpanch Harbrinder Singh, with two suspects injured during an early-morning exchange of fire near Nushera Pannuan.
Harbrinder Singh, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sarpanch from Thathian Mahantan village, was fatally shot earlier this week while attending a function at Sidhu Farm in Sero village. The incident had sparked unrest in the region and prompted a large-scale search operation to apprehend those responsible.
According to Superintendent of Police (Detective) Ripudaman Singh, officers were on patrol duty when they spotted two men riding a motorcycle under suspicious circumstances. When signalled to stop, the duo allegedly opened fire at the police team.
Police officials said they warned the suspects to lay down their arms and surrender, but the men reportedly continued shooting. In the ensuing retaliatory action, both suspects were hit by bullets.
The injured individuals have been identified as Saranpreet Singh and Hardeep Singh, residents of Chohla Sahib. Two pistols were recovered from their possession at the scene, police said.
The pair were shifted to the Civil Hospital in Tarn Taran and are receiving treatment under police guard.
Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba confirmed that Saranpreet Singh is believed to be among the four individuals linked to the sarpanch’s murder. Authorities said further questioning and forensic examination are underway as investigators work to establish the full sequence of events and identify other possible accomplices.
Police have intensified efforts to track down the remaining suspects as the investigation continues.