28-year-old shot dead in Amritsar's Mehta; gang rivalry suspected

Jugraj Singh (28) was shot dead in broad daylight on Saturday in Chanan ke village near Mehta, Amritsar. The killing is suspected to be linked to ongoing rivalries between Bambiha and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gangs. According to eyewitnesses, three unidentified men arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire at close range, targeting Jugraj Singh. He died on the spot due to multiple bullet injuries. The CCTV footage of the incident has also surfaced.

Police officials have launched a probe, describing the murder as an outcome of personal enmity. Amritsar rural Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Maninder Singh stated that Jugraj Singh himself had no criminal background. However, his brother Jagrup Jupa is lodged in jail in a case of narcotics. “We are investigating all angles based on the CCTV footage and statements of eyewitnesses. Naka bandi has been enforced and a search operation is underway to trace the attackers,” said the SSP.

The murder has once again highlighted the violent turf war between gangs. Shortly after the killing, an Instagram post by Gopi Ganshampuria group allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack. The Instagram message stated, “Sat Sri Akal to all my brothers. I, Doni Bal, along with Mohabbat Randhawa and Kaushal Chaudhary, take responsibility for the murder of Jugraj Singh alias Tota from village Chanan ke. He had helped in conducting reccy for the murder of our brother Gora Bariar on the instructions of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, and also acted against our brothers under Jaggu's direction. As for the ones barking from behind the scenes, they should also stay ready. Our eyes are on all of them. Wait and watch.”

That on June 25, the same gang allegedly orchestrated the killings of Karanvir Singh, a close associate of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, and his mother Harjit Kaur in Batala. The murders were also claimed to be revenge for the murder of their aide, Gora Bariar.