Clash between rival factions over sarpanch post turns violent in Bhakna Kalan village

A dispute over the position of village head (sarpanch) in Bhakna Kalan village's grain market, under the jurisdiction of Ghadinda police station in Amritsar, turned into a bloody clash. Police have acted swiftly in the case, arresting a total of 9 accused so far, while raids continue to track down the remaining named suspects.

According to DSP Attari Yadwinder Singh, on the evening of July 9 at around 7:30 pm, SHO Inspector Amandeep Singh of Ghadinda police station received information that the groups of sarpanch Gurdeep Singh and panchayat member Pargat Singh were facing off in Bhakna Kalan village. The DSP said a long-running dispute over the sarpanch's post had been simmering between sarpanch Gurdeep Singh and panchayat member Pargat Singh, alias Ballu. Over this same dispute, both groups had arranged to confront each other at the grain market. Around 10 to 15 vehicles full of young men arrived from each side, and during the exchange, the dispute escalated, leading to heavy firing from both sides.

By the time the police team reached the spot after receiving the information, several rounds had already been fired by both sides. In the firing, Gursharan Singh, alias Cheeni, a resident of Kotli Sakka village under Raja Sansi police station and a member of Pargat Singh's group, was killed by a gunshot, while another person, Sukhman, was injured.

9 Accused, Including the Injured Man, in Police Custody. Police took action and arrested 8 accused from the spot and the surrounding area. The injured Sukhman is admitted to hospital, where police have posted security and shown him as arrested as well. This brings the total number of arrests to 9 so far. Police say raids are continuing to track down the remaining fugitives, who will be arrested and produced in court soon.