The fatal shooting of Shiromani Akali Dal Councillor Harjinder Singh Bahman in Amritsar has reignited concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. Bahman was gunned down in broad daylight by assailants on a motorcycle, despite previous threats and a documented attack on his residence. The brazen killing has provoked widespread condemnation from political leaders, with critics accusing the state administration of negligence. As police launch an investigation, the incident has intensified scrutiny on the Bhagwant Mann-led government and its handling of public safety, particularly for elected representatives.
Assassination in Amritsar: What Happened
In a shocking act of targeted violence, Harjinder Singh Bahman, a serving municipal councillor from the Shiromani Akali Dal, was shot dead on May 25 in Amritsar’s Chheharta area. The incident occurred near a Gurdwara where Bahman had arrived to attend a community event.
According to eyewitnesses and law enforcement officials, three individuals riding a motorcycle ambushed Bahman as he exited the venue. The assailants, whose faces were concealed, opened fire at close range. Bahman sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Harpal Singh Randhawa confirmed that a formal investigation has begun, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage and speaking to witnesses.
Pattern of Threats Ignored
The killing follows a series of explicit threats directed at Bahman, including a recent shooting outside his residence. CCTV footage, shared by Shiromani Akali Dal General Secretary Bikram Singh Majithia, captured the earlier attack, in which two masked individuals approached Bahman’s house late at night and opened fire.
Footage shows one attacker repeatedly attempting to discharge a firearm, while another successfully fires two rounds before fleeing. The councillor had reportedly alerted the police to these threats, but no preventive measures were taken.
Bahman’s family has alleged that the individuals responsible for his murder are the same ones who had previously targeted his home and threatened his life. This has intensified public scrutiny over the state's failure to act decisively in response to credible security concerns.
Political Fallout and Government Criticism
Bikram Singh Majithia, a senior Akali Dal leader, strongly condemned the killing and criticized the Punjab government’s inaction. Sharing the video evidence on social media, Majithia described the situation as a “complete breakdown of law and order” and questioned why no steps were taken despite a formal complaint reaching the Director General of Police.
“This is not just a failure of intelligence, it’s a failure of governance,” Majithia said, adding that the current administration must be held accountable for allowing threats to escalate into a political assassination.
He urged the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government to address the escalating violence and implement robust security reforms, particularly for public representatives.
Broader Implications for Public Safety in Punjab
Bahman’s murder underscores growing concerns over public safety and the rise in politically motivated violence across Punjab. While the motive behind the killing is still under investigation, the audacity of the attack—executed in broad daylight near a place of worship—has rattled citizens and prompted calls for a comprehensive review of the state’s law enforcement protocols.
As political parties prepare for upcoming elections and social tensions simmer in various regions, the killing has struck a nerve in a state where security for public officials is increasingly under threat.
The Punjab Police has yet to make any arrests, but pressure is mounting from both opposition parties and civil society to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.
Conclusion
The assassination of Harjinder Singh Bahman has cast a long shadow over the political and security landscape in Punjab. As investigations unfold, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public officials and the urgent need for a proactive approach to law enforcement. With public confidence in state security apparatus shaken, the onus is now on the Bhagwant Mann government to not only ensure justice but to restore order and credibility in Punjab’s governance.
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