19 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : In a fresh incident of political violence in Punjab, another village sarpanch associated with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was shot dead during a wedding function, sending shockwaves across the state. The incident occurred late on Sunday night in a village where celebratory festivities turned into chaos after unidentified assailants opened fire.
The killing comes amid rising concerns over law and order in Punjab, especially following a series of violent attacks targeting local political representatives.
What Happened
According to police officials, the AAP sarpanch was attending a wedding ceremony when gunmen suddenly arrived at the venue and fired multiple shots at close range. The victim collapsed on the spot, triggering panic among guests. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Preliminary investigations suggest the attackers fled immediately after the shooting, taking advantage of the confusion at the crowded event.
Police Investigation Underway
Senior police officers reached the spot soon after the incident and launched a large-scale investigation. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being scanned, and forensic teams have collected bullet shells and other evidence from the scene.
A case of murder has been registered, and special teams have been formed to identify and arrest the accused. Police officials said initial inquiries point towards personal rivalry or local enmity, though political motives have not been ruled out.
“We are investigating all possible angles,” a senior police officer said. “The accused will be arrested soon.”
Second Such Incident Raises Alarm
This is not the first time an AAP sarpanch has been killed in Punjab in recent months. The earlier killing had already triggered political outrage and opposition criticism over the state’s security situation. The latest incident has further intensified the debate, putting the ruling party under pressure.
Opposition leaders have accused the government of failing to protect grassroots-level political representatives, especially sarpanches who often face threats due to local disputes.
AAP Condemns the Killing
Leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party expressed grief over the death and condemned the attack. Party functionaries described the killing as a “cowardly act” and demanded swift action against the perpetrators.
AAP leaders assured the victim’s family of full support and said the government would ensure strict punishment for those responsible.
Opposition Attacks Government
Opposition parties were quick to seize upon the incident, questioning the Punjab government’s law-and-order record. They alleged that criminal elements are acting with impunity and that public representatives are increasingly unsafe.
Some opposition leaders also demanded a judicial inquiry into recent attacks on elected representatives.
Fear Among Local Leaders
The killing has sparked fear among sarpanches and local leaders across the region. Many have expressed concern over their safety, particularly during public events such as weddings and political gatherings.
Village-level representatives play a crucial role in governance and dispute resolution, often becoming targets due to land disputes, political rivalries, or personal grudges.
Law and Order in Focus
The incident once again puts the spotlight on Punjab’s law-and-order situation. Experts say that while many such crimes stem from personal enmity, the frequent use of firearms and public nature of attacks are worrying trends.
Security analysts have urged the government to strengthen intelligence gathering at the local level and ensure better protection for elected representatives who may face threats.
Statewide Reaction
Residents of the area gathered outside the hospital and later at the village, demanding justice for the slain sarpanch. The atmosphere remained tense, with police deployed in large numbers to prevent any untoward incident.
The Punjab government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and said no criminal will be spared, regardless of political affiliation.
As investigations continue, the killing adds to growing unease in the state, raising serious questions about safety, governance, and the challenges faced by grassroots political leaders in Punjab.
Summary
An AAP sarpanch was shot dead during a wedding in Punjab, marking another violent attack on a ruling party leader and intensifying concerns over law and order in the state.