Tarn Taran, Feb 18: Tragedy struck a wedding celebration in Tarn Taran on Wednesday when Harbarinder Singh, the sarpanch of Thathiyan Mahanta, was shot dead in front of numerous guests. The attack, which involved the use of an AK-47 and pistols, has highlighted a disturbing trend of targeted violence at social gatherings in the region.
The deceased was a prominent local figure and a member of the Aam Aadmi Party who also managed a commission agency. While attending the nuptials of a relative, he was approached by gunmen who had arrived on a motorcycle. A relative, Jermandeep Singh, sustained injuries when he tried to retaliate against the shooters, who were described by bystanders as being dressed in expensive suits to blend in with the wedding guests.
“The incident caused panic, and people ran to escape the firing,” stated eyewitness Kulwant Singh, who maintained that the shooters showed no signs of hesitation. The gunmen reportedly fled the scene immediately after the assault, leaving the community in shock. The victim is survived by his wife and two sons, both under the age of ten.
This latest shooting comes on the heels of the murder of Congress leader Umarsir Singh in Moga last month and the assassination of another AAP sarpanch in early January. Police officials declared that checkpoints have been established across the district and teams are working to track the motorcycle used in the escape.
Senior police personnel who arrived at the site 20 minutes post-incident affirmed that the motive behind the killing is being investigated from all angles, including personal enmity and political rivalry. They maintained that the administration is committed to ensuring the safety of public representatives and will bring the perpetrators to justice.
