A man heading to work was shot dead in a brazen attack early Saturday in Punjab’s Moga district, triggering protests and political accusations over the state’s law-and-order situation.
The incident occurred in Bhinder Kalan village, where Umarsir Singh, an employee of Nestle India Limited, was attacked shortly after leaving his home. Singh, who was in his late thirties, was driving his Maruti Swift to the Nestle plant in Moga when unidentified assailants intercepted his vehicle and opened fire.
Police said the attackers arrived in a car and fired repeatedly at Singh, killing him on the spot. Prima facie, at least 15 rounds were fired by unidentified assailants who arrived in a car, Jaswarinder Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dharamkot), told The Indian Express. “The victim was driving his car and going to his duty at Nestle when the assailants rained bullets at his car,” the DSP said.
Heavy Fog Hampers Probe, Police Say
Officials added that weather conditions may have hampered an immediate response. “There was heavy fog at the time of the incident. We are trying to identify the accused at the earliest,” DSP Jaswarinder stated.
Soon after the shooting, senior police officials and forensic experts reached the location to gather evidence. Singh’s body was sent for post-mortem examination, and a case has been registered. Investigators are scanning CCTV footage from the village and surrounding roads to track the movement and escape route of the attackers.
The victim’s family has alleged that the killing was not random. Singh’s brother, Ajmer Singh, claimed the attack was a planned conspiracy linked to an old political rivalry stemming from Block Samiti elections, and accused the village sarpanch of involvement.
Family Protests at Police Station
As anger mounted, family members placed Singh’s body outside the Dharamkot police station, demanding swift arrests. The protest drew political support, with Congress leader and former Dharamkot MLA Sukhjeet Singh Kaka Lohgarh joining the demonstration.
Blaming the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Lohgarh said, “CM Bhagwant Mann should resign immediately. He has failed to run this government. The police response today was too delayed, and they reached the spot very late. The protest will continue till the accused are arrested.”
Police said all possible angles, including the family’s claims of political motive, are being thoroughly investigated as efforts continue to identify and apprehend the shooters.
