Punjab Police Makes Major Breakthrough in High-Profile Murder Cases
The Punjab Police has taken significant action this week, arresting nine individuals in connection with two separate murder cases that have shaken the state. These arrests include shooters and accomplices linked to the killings of a local sarpanch and a prominent kabaddi promoter.
Seven Arrested in Sarpanch Murder Case
In a press conference held in Chandigarh on Monday, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav announced the arrest of seven persons for the murder of AAP-backed sarpanch Jarmal Singh. The incident occurred on January 4, 2026, during a wedding ceremony in Amritsar.
Jarmal Singh was shot at point-blank range at the Marigold Marriage Palace shortly after the bride and groom departed. CCTV footage captured two shooters entering the venue, with one firing directly at Singh's head before fleeing. Despite being rushed to a hospital, Singh succumbed to his injuries. This was not the first attempt on his life; he had survived at least three previous attacks, including a shooting at his vehicle in March 2025.
The police operation involved a joint effort with the Chhattisgarh Police, leading to the arrest of shooters Sukhraj Singh and Karamjit Singh in Raipur. Three more individuals were apprehended in Tarn Taran, and two in Mohali. DGP Yadav revealed that the investigation uncovered technical leads pointing to different modules, handlers from abroad, and logistical support networks providing vehicles and shelter.
"We have obtained transit remand for both shooters until January 14, and they are being brought to Amritsar by air," Yadav stated. He emphasized that the mastermind behind this murder is gangster Prabh Dasuwal, who is believed to be based in Portugal, acting due to old enmity.
Two Arrested in Kabaddi Promoter Murder Case
In a parallel development, the Punjab Police arrested two shooters for the murder of kabaddi promoter Kunwar Digvijay Singh, also known as Rana Balachauria. He was killed on December 15, 2025, during a kabaddi tournament in Mohali.
The arrests were made in an intelligence-led operation by the Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) with assistance from police forces in Sikkim, Mumbai, West Bengal, and central intelligence agencies. Shooters Karan Pathak (alias Karan Defaulter) and Tarandeep Singh were apprehended in Howrah. Additionally, Akash, a close relative of foreign-based handler Amar Khabe Rajputa, has been taken into custody.
Police sources indicate that Balachauria's murder is primarily linked to rivalry over control of lucrative kabaddi tournaments. Following the killing, Dony Bal claimed responsibility on social media, citing revenge for the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and alleging Balachauria sheltered the singer's killers. However, police have largely dismissed this as a cover narrative.
An alleged planner, Harpinder Singh alias Middu, was killed in a police encounter in Mohali on December 17, 2025, while another mastermind, Aishdeep Singh, was arrested at Delhi airport.
Police Response and Judicial Scrutiny
DGP Gaurav Yadav outlined the investigative efforts, noting that CCTV trails and technical inputs from locations like Mohali, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Bihar were analyzed to track the assailants. "The CCTV trail was followed for 110 km to trace the escape route," he said, highlighting the arrest of individuals who provided logistical support, such as Kulwinder Singh, Armandeep Singh, and Harpreet Singh in Tarn Taran.
Yadav stressed that financial assistance for the accused came from abroad, describing the operations as part of a sophisticated criminal network managed internationally. "Organised crime will be targeted by the Punjab Police as directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. We will identify and bust the eco-system of criminals, and no one will be spared," he asserted.
In response to questions about security lapses—given that Singh had police protection and many security personnel were present at the wedding—Yadav promised an investigation into any police failures, with guilty personnel facing punishment.
The deteriorating law and order situation has drawn judicial attention. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of Balachauria's murder, summoning the Punjab DGP in person on January 15. The court demanded a detailed explanation from the state government regarding security arrangements at the tournament venue, measures to curb gangster culture, extortion, targeted killings, and the glorification of crime. Observing that "criminals are having a free run," the court expressed concern over recurring incidents despite previous police affidavits on anti-gangster measures.
This crackdown comes amid scathing criticism from opposition parties over recent killings in Punjab, signaling a renewed focus on combating organized crime and ensuring accountability in the state.
