Punjab Newsline | Amritsar
A long-running dispute over the village sarpanch post turned deadly in Punjab's Amritsar district after a Panch was shot dead during a violent clash between two rival groups in Bhakna Kalan village. Police have arrested nine accused so far, while raids are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
According to Attari DSP Yadvinder Singh, the incident occurred around 7:30 pm on Friday at the village grain market (Dana Mandi) under the Gharinda police station area. The clash involved supporters of Sarpanch Gurdeep Singh and Panchayat member Pragat Singh alias Ballu, who had been locked in a prolonged rivalry over village leadership.
Police said both groups arrived at the Dana Mandi in around 10 to 15 vehicles. What began as a heated argument quickly escalated into a fierce exchange of gunfire, with more than 100 rounds reportedly fired from both sides.
During the firing, the Panch sustained bullet injuries to the neck and abdomen and later succumbed to his injuries. Another injured accused, Sukhman, who is undergoing treatment in hospital, has also been formally arrested under police security.
Authorities have launched an extensive search operation to arrest the remaining named accused, while further investigation into the incident is underway.
