In a significant development, Punjab Police gunned down a key accused involved in the murder of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sarpanch during an encounter in Amritsar. The incident, which unfolded in the Chheharta area, brings a dramatic turn to the investigation into the killing that had sent shockwaves through the region.
The Fatal Encounter in Chheharta
The police operation took place on Monday, January 6, 2026, in the Chheharta suburb of Amritsar. According to official reports, a police team acted on specific intelligence regarding the whereabouts of a suspect wanted in connection with the murder of Sarpanch Dalbir Singh. When challenged by the police, the accused reportedly opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
The suspect sustained critical injuries during the shootout and was declared dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital. Police officials confirmed that the deceased was a prime accused in the high-profile murder case of the AAP village head. The encounter has been registered, and further legal procedures are being followed.
Background: The Murder of Sarpanch Dalbir Singh
The encounter is directly linked to the brutal killing of Dalbir Singh, who served as the elected sarpanch of a village in Punjab and was a member of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. His murder, which occurred recently, was a calculated attack that raised serious concerns about law and order and political violence in the state.
Dalbir Singh was shot dead by unidentified assailants. The incident prompted immediate outrage from the AAP leadership and the local community, putting immense pressure on the Punjab Police to swiftly apprehend those responsible. The investigation into his murder had been actively pursuing several leads, with the police identifying a few key suspects.
The individual neutralized in the Chheharta encounter was identified as one of the main perpetrators involved in planning and executing the sarpanch's murder. His elimination is seen as a major breakthrough for the investigating agencies.
Reactions and Implications
The encounter has drawn immediate reactions from various quarters. The Punjab Police have defended the action, stating it was necessitated by the accused's attempt to evade arrest using lethal force. Senior police officials have emphasized that this was a step towards delivering justice for the slain sarpanch and his family.
Political reactions have been mixed. Colleagues and supporters of the late Dalbir Singh have welcomed the development, viewing it as a form of justice. However, the incident is also likely to intensify the political discourse around crime and policing in Punjab. The AAP, being the party in power in the state, faces the dual challenge of ensuring the safety of its grassroots workers while upholding the rule of law.
The police have assured that the investigation into the broader conspiracy behind the sarpanch's murder is ongoing, and efforts are underway to nab any remaining accomplices. The case highlights the persistent challenges of targeted political violence and the state's response mechanism.
This encounter in Amritsar underscores a tense chapter in Punjab's law and order narrative. While it closes one loop in a tragic murder case, it opens up broader questions about the nature of political conflicts and the measures taken to address them. The coming days are likely to see continued scrutiny of the police's action and the political fallout from this violent episode.
