Daijiworld Media Network - Barnala

Barnala, Oct 5: The son of a former sarpanch was shot dead in broad daylight by a known assailant at Sehna village in Barnala district on Saturday, police said.

The victim, identified as Sukhwinder Singh Calcutta, was in his 40s and was sitting at a property dealer’s shop near the Sehna bus stand when the accused, Jinder Singh, allegedly opened fire and fled the scene.

Speaking to reporters, Barnala SSP Mohd Sarfaraz Alam said initial investigation points to personal enmity as the possible motive. “Shortly before the crime, a video surfaced in which Jinder Singh went live and spoke about a monetary dispute with the victim. We are verifying that angle once the accused is arrested,” the SSP said.

Police have formed multiple teams to trace and arrest the accused based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s family. “Raids are being conducted at several locations. The accused will be nabbed soon,” the SSP added.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders have slammed the AAP government over the “deteriorating law and order” in Punjab. Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said, “Sukhwinder Singh Calcutta was brutally shot dead near the Sehna bus stand in broad daylight. I urge the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to take suo motu cognisance and direct Central agencies to conduct a fair probe.”