Tarn Taran: Sarpanch Shot Dead by Bike-Borne Assailants in Broad Daylight
Ashwani Devgan was attacked at Toot bus stand; police launch manhunt as CCTV footage is examined
AMRITSAR, Oct 6: A village sarpanch, who was reportedly associated with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was shot dead by unidentified attackers in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district on Monday, police said.
Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police Surinder Lamba said three motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire on Toot village sarpanch Ashwani Devgan at close range. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
According to police, Devgan had gone to the Toot bus stand when the assailants arrived on a motorcycle and fired multiple rounds at him. He sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Lamba said investigators have so far found no evidence of a previous threat, extortion demand or personal dispute involving Devgan. The sarpanch had also never sought police protection, the officer said.
Police teams have been deployed at several locations to track down those responsible for the killing. Investigators are examining CCTV recordings from the area in an effort to establish the attackers’ identities and reconstruct the sequence of events.
Officials said police have recovered some important clues from the crime scene that could assist the investigation.
Following the shooting, the Toot bus stand was cordoned off. Forensic teams from Tarn Taran and neighbouring Amritsar visited the spot and collected evidence for further examination.
The killing has raised fresh concerns over the law and order situation in Punjab, coming days after another village level political figure was murdered in the state.
On Saturday evening, 55 year old former Mannewal village sarpanch Navjeet Singh Neetu was allegedly shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne attackers near the village. Neetu was reportedly travelling towards his residence in Ghumar Mandi when he came under attack.
The two incidents have intensified criticism from opposition parties, which have accused the AAP-led Punjab Government of failing to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of public representatives.
Police said efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend the assailants in the Tarn Taran case.
