Shiromani Akali Dal councillor Harjinder Singh shot dead in Amritsar

Shiromani Akali Dal councillor Harjinder Singh was allegedly shot dead by in the Chehertha area of Amritsar in Punjab on Sunday, police said. He was the councillor of Ward No. 2 under the Jandiala Assembly constituency.

"Bike-borne miscreants shot him. According to the family, 5-6 boys- Karan, Kishan, Suraj, against whom he had earlier complained that they sell drugs, are involved. They had threatened him earlier, too. 5-6 rounds were fired." Punjab Police ADCP Harpal Singh Randhawa said.

Harjinder Singh was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, the police said.

Police said they have identified three persons, who were allegedly involved in the murder of the councillor. They have been identified as Gopi, Amit and Karan Kira, all residents of Jandiala Guru, police said, adding that they will be arrested soon.

The vehicle used in the crime has also been identified.

Meanwhile, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal strongly condemned the incident and lambasted the AAP government for the "collapse" of law and order in Punjab.

"The death of Harjinder Singh, SAD councillor from Jandiala Guru in Amritsar district, has completely exposed the law and order situation in Punjab," Badal alleged.

The SAD chief claimed that a few days ago, shots were fired at Singh's house but despite filing a complaint, police did not take any action in the matter.

Badal also questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Punjab Police chief over the alleged police inaction.

Senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia claimed that Harjnder had been receiving threat calls about which he had informed the police accused them of inaction.

He also lashed out at the AAP government in Punjab for the "pathetic" law and order situation in the state.

(With PTI inputs)