Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh
Chandigarh, May 30: RTI activist and lawyer Simranjit Singh was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants in Punjab’s Phagwara on Saturday, in what police described as a targeted attack. The killing marks the second attempt on his life after he had previously survived a similar attack in Jalandhar.
According to police officials, the incident occurred near the Jalandhar–Ludhiana highway when the attackers approached Singh and opened fire at close range. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
Singh was known for filing petitions and complaints on several high-profile and controversial matters before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, state authorities, and the Enforcement Directorate.
Investigators are examining various angles behind the killing, including Singh’s legal and activist work. Reports suggest he had submitted documents to the Enforcement Directorate concerning state Cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora and had also challenged the constitutional validity of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Amendment) Act, 2026 through a petition.
Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora said preliminary findings indicate that two bullets struck the victim's head. Police recovered a .32-bore pistol near the body and a 12-bore rifle from Singh’s Fortuner vehicle. Two mobile phones belonging to the victim were also found at the scene.
Officials noted that Singh's vehicle was parked normally, suggesting that he may not have been intercepted while travelling. Investigators are working to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the shooting.
Deputy Inspector General Naveen Singla said the police would seek assistance from specialised units, including the Counter-Intelligence Wing of the Punjab Police, if required.
The incident has sparked strong political reactions across Punjab.
Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the killing, calling it a direct attack on transparency and democratic values. He demanded a thorough investigation by an independent agency and expressed concern over the safety of individuals who expose alleged wrongdoing through legal channels.
Similarly, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring questioned the state's law-and-order situation, stating that the killing raises serious concerns about the security of activists, lawyers, and citizens who challenge powerful interests.
Warring urged the government to ensure accountability and deliver justice, noting that recurring incidents of shootings, gang violence, and targeted attacks continue to worry the public despite repeated assurances regarding safety.
Police have launched a detailed investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and the victim's recent activities to identify the assailants and establish the motive behind the attack. Further details are expected as the probe progresses.