AAP Leader Gunned Down in Brazen Wedding Hall Attack
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples across Punjab's political landscape, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and village sarpanch Jarmal Singh was shot dead at a wedding venue in Amritsar on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The assailants, disguised as wedding guests, executed the murder in a crowded marriage palace before fleeing the scene.
Chaos at the Marriage Palace: Eyewitness Account
The attack occurred at the Marigold Marriage Palace where Jarmal Singh, a resident of Valthoa village in Tarn Taran district, was attending a ceremony. According to police and eyewitnesses, two unidentified youths arrived around 3 pm, blending in with the baraatis (wedding procession). They walked straight to the table where the sarpanch was eating and shot him at point-blank range in the forehead.
"We were at the wedding of Amarkot sarpanch Shairi’s sister. Sarpanch Jarmal was sitting at the table and eating food when the attackers came disguised as baraatis and shot him in the head," said AAP MLA Sarwan Singh Dhun from Khemkaran, who was present in the hall during the attack. He emphasized that the attack appeared targeted, with the assailants focusing solely on Jarmal Singh before escaping amidst the ensuing panic.
Gangster Threats and a Prior Police Complaint
Initial investigations point towards a possible gangster link, rather than personal enmity. The slain leader's family revealed that he had been receiving threats and extortion demands from gangsters. In response to these threats, Jarmal Singh had proactively filed a formal complaint with the Valtoha police.
"The family said that he was receiving threats and extortion demands from gangsters. Jarmal had even filed a case with the Valtoha police," MLA Dhun confirmed, ruling out personal disputes as the motive. "Gangsters were behind it. The attackers targeted only him and fled," he stated.
Police Investigation and Political Background
Following the murder, police teams swiftly cordoned off the venue and launched a detailed probe. Amritsar DCP Jagjit Singh Walia stated that they are examining CCTV footage from the marriage palace and have deployed intelligence and technical teams. "We are investigating the case and are looking at CCTV footage of the place. Intelligence and technical teams are also on the case; attackers posed as baraatis. We have cordoned off the venue and are questioning attendees," DCP Walia said.
Jarmal Singh's political journey saw him win two earlier elections as a member of the Shiromani Akali Dal. He later switched allegiance to the Aam Aadmi Party and secured his current term as sarpanch with their support. His killing highlights the volatile mix of politics, crime, and village-level governance in the region.
The groom in the wedding was from Dinanagar, while the bride's family hailed from Amarkot village near Amritsar. After being shot, Jarmal Singh was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The police have collected eyewitness statements and are pursuing all leads to apprehend the killers.
