AMRITSAR: Panic has gripped parts of Punjab after a series of targeted killings during wedding functions, with foreign-based gangster Lakhbir Singh Landa claiming responsibility for the latest murder of a village sarpanch in Tarn Taran district.
The victim, Harbarinder Singh, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Sidhu Farm in Tarn Taran while attending a marriage function. The attack also left another person injured, police said.
Soon after the incident, Landa, who is believed to be operating from abroad, issued a statement on social media claiming that his gang had carried out the killing. He alleged that the sarpanch was involved in the murder of their associate “Noni, ” who was killed earlier when he had gone to collect extortion money. According to the gangster, Harbarinder Singh was also a key witness in the Noni murder case.
In his message, Landa claimed that the attackers used an AK-47 rifle in the killing. He also issued a warning to the Punjab Police, asking them to stop “fake encounters” or face consequences, indicating a possible escalation in gang violence in the state.
The Tarn Taran killing is the third such incident reported during marriage functions in recent weeks, raising serious concerns about law and order.
Last month, AAP sarpanch Jarnail Singh was shot dead by assailants at a marriage palace in Tarn Taran district. In another incident, two persons were killed during a wedding function at Pakhowal marriage palace in Ludhiana after armed attackers opened fire.
The pattern of attacks at public gatherings, particularly marriage functions, has alarmed both residents and security agencies. Such events are typically crowded, making them soft targets and increasing the risk of collateral casualties.
Punjab Police have launched a manhunt to trace the attackers involved in the Tarn Taran incident. Senior officers said security has been tightened at public functions and sensitive locations, while intelligence agencies are monitoring gang activities, especially those being operated from foreign countries.
Officials said the repeated incidents underline the growing influence of organised crime networks, many of which are being run from abroad with local operatives executing the attacks.
Police are also examining possible links between the recent incidents to determine whether they are part of a coordinated pattern of targeted killings linked to extortion networks and gang rivalries.
The spate of violence has triggered fresh political debate over the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, with opposition parties demanding stricter action against gangsters operating from foreign soil.