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In a shocking incident in Tarn Taran district, a Punjab Police Sub-Inspector Charanjit Singh was shot dead while attempting to mediate a violent clash between two groups in Kot Mohammad Khan village. The incident occurred late on Wednesday evening when a police team, led by Sub-Inspector Singh, was dispatched to the village to resolve an escalating dispute. The attack left Charanjit fatally wounded, while Head Constable Harvinder Singh was also injured in the violence. The police have registered a case against 20 individuals, including the village's sarpanch Kuldeep – who owe allegiance to ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The police are in the process of rounding up the suspects.
As news of the tragic death of the 56-year-old officer broke, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his grief and admiration for the slain officer’s bravery. On social media, Mann saluted SI Charanjit’s dedication to his duty, promising an ex-gratia amount of Rs two crore for the family of the fallen officer. The ex-gratia includes Rs one crore from the Punjab Government and another Rs one crore from Punjab Police Welfare Insurance, provided by HDFC Bank. The Chief Minister reiterated that the government stands with its police personnel and their families, ensuring that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.
The killing of SI Charanjit has sent shockwaves through the state, leading to widespread condemnation. The opposition parties have been quick to criticize the AAP Government, with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress leaders accusing the ruling party of failing to maintain law and order in the state. A senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia claimed that the murder was not merely a tragic loss but an outcome of political patronage and a failure of the government to uphold justice.
Congress, too, has weighed in on the matter, with party’s state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring criticizing the state’s police administration for its failure to prevent the attack. Raja Warring expressed his condolences to SI Charanjit’s family but also pointed out that the State Government, led by CM Mann, had allowed a “murderous culture” to thrive, further accusing the AAP of fostering a climate where such violent incidents could take place without consequence.
The tragedy unfolded when the police team, led by SI Charanjit, arrived at the scene of the clash between two groups. Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, gunshots rang out, hitting SI Charanjit fatally and injuring other officers. As the investigation continues, the police have rounded up several suspects, with further action expected once all those involved are captured.
Following the attack, a team of senior police officers, including Tarn Taran’s SSP Abhimanyu Rana, immediately arrived at the scene. Rana assured that stringent action would be taken against the assailants, with the police working diligently to bring all perpetrators to justice. While a case has already been filed under multiple sections, including murder, the accused, including the AAP sarpanch, remain on the run.
