Amritsar Councillor Harjinder Singh Bahman’s Murder: Four Arrested

Amritsar: In a significant breakthrough, Amritsar Police on Sunday arrested four men in connection with the murder of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) municipal councillor Harjinder Singh Bahman. The councillor from Jandiala Guru was shot dead in broad daylight on Saturday evening while visiting a crowded market in Amritsar. The brazen attack has reignited concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the arrests and said that the police acted swiftly following the incident. “During the chase, one of the accused, identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, opened fire on the police team. In retaliatory action, Gopi sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was apprehended with a pistol. He has been admitted to Civil Hospital, Amritsar,” said DGP Yadav.

He further noted that the arrested individuals were part of an organised crime network with links to a foreign-based handler. “With these arrests, we have not only cracked the murder case but also dismantled a gang operating under external influence,” Yadav added. Police have launched a deeper probe into the network’s activities and its potential links to other violent incidents in the region.

Sources revealed that Harjinder Singh Bahman had received multiple threats over the past few weeks. Just days before the attack, masked men had allegedly fired shots outside his residence. The councillor had filed a complaint with the local police, but the security response was reportedly minimal.

Political reactions have been swift and sharp. Senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia condemned the killing and accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of gross negligence. “The law and order situation in Punjab has completely collapsed. The murder of our councillor, despite prior warnings, is a reflection of the administration’s failure,” said Majithia.

Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also condemned the murder, calling it a tragic reminder of Punjab’s worsening security. “This incident is not isolated. It highlights a systemic failure to ensure the safety of political representatives and ordinary citizens alike,” Warring said.