AAP leader shoots dead sarpanch’s husband

An AAP leader allegedly shot dead the husband of a village sarpanch during an argument over the construction of a drain at Kallar Khera village, 27 km from Abohar, on Thursday.

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The suspect, identified as Manoj Kumar, is reportedly the block president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Victim Shankar Jalap succumbed to his injuries on way to hospital in Sriganganagar. Later, his body was taken to Civil Hospital, Abohar, for a post-mortem examination. His wife Poonam, who is also a member of AAP, was elected sarpanch in last year’s panchayat elections.

Initial reports suggested that a dispute arose in the village regarding the construction of a drain. While the village panchayat was attempting to resolve the matter, Kumar reportedly lost his temper when his demands were disregarded. He allegedly drew a weapon and shot dead Jalap. The police have begun investigation into the incident.

Hundreds of villagers blocked the Abohar-Sri Ganganagar highway to express anger over the incident. The protest disrupted inter-state traffic as vehicles in a large number were stranded on both sides of the road.

Senior Superintendent of Police Varinder Singh Brar assured people that the police were trying to trace the suspect.