AAP sarpanch among 20 persons detained in cop murder case

An AAP sarpanch, identified as Kuldeep Singh, was among over 20 persons detained by Tarn Taran police here on Thursday in connection with the killing of Sub-Inspector (SI) Charanjit Singh in Kot Mohammad Khan village under the Goindwal police station here late last evening.

Tarn Taran SSP Abhimanyu Rana said that a personal dispute over the purchase of a tractor was the reason behind the incident.

The victim SI, Charanjit Singh, additional SHO, Goindwal police station, along with the police party, had gone to the village in response an emergency call received at 112 helpline number regarding a violent clash and firing between two groups. He went there and tried to placate the warring groups.

However, the two groups started throwing bricks and stones at him and others in his team. One of the groups also fired at a gun shop which critically injured SI Charanjit Singh. ASI Jasbir Singh also suffered grievous injuries in the incident.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Atul Soni and SHO Prabhjot Singh also arrived at the scene by that time. Ferozepur range DIG Harmanbir Singh Gill and SSP Abhimanya Rana also reached the spot.

The SSP said that taking serious view of the incident, the police launched a massive manhunt and arrested over 20 persons, including the sarpanch of the village, Kuldeep Singh.

Meanwhile, the incident has been widely condemned with the opposition raising a question mark over the law and order situation in Punjab.

The BJP, on its social media handle X, questioned when the police were not safe in Punjab, what could a common man expect.

It alleged that there was lawlessness in the state with everyone feeling insecure. It alleged that miscreant elements were being sheltered by the ruling AAP party.

The BJP demanded a high-level probe into the incident so that exemplary punishment could be given to the accused. "It is an open challenge to the Punjab Police," the party spokesman said.