By: Express News ServiceJalandhar | January 17, 2026 01:00 PM IST 3 min readPargat Singh alleged that gangsters and criminals were operating with impunity across Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Phagwara, emboldened by the inaction of the state government. (Photo: X/@PargatSOfficial)Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Balwinder Singh was shot dead in Miani village in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district on Friday evening, with two US-based men claiming responsibility for the murder. On the same day, a youth was also shot dead while returning from a private university in the Adampur area of Jalandhar.These two are the latest in a series of firing incidents linked to extortion and gang rivalry that have been reported across the Doaba region, triggering fear and insecurity among residents, prompting senior Congress leader and MLA Pargat Singh to express “grave concern” over what he termed a “complete collapse” of law and order in Punjab.Pargat Singh alleged that gangsters and criminals were operating with impunity across Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Phagwara, emboldened by the inaction of the state government.He said that incidents of robbery, extortion, gang wars, and murders have steadily increased under the current administration, with scarcely a day passing without reports of firing or killings in urban and rural areas alike. He held Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who also holds the Home portfolio, directly responsible, stating that he has “clearly lost control over the state’s security apparatus.”Recently, in Phagwara, seven to eight rounds were fired early in the morning at Sudhir Sweets following an extortion demand. In Lakhan Kalan village of Kapurthala, gangsters opened fire in broad daylight.Instances of organised crime syndicates targeting businesses have also intensified. Just three days ago, gold and silver jewellery worth approximately ₹1.25 crore was stolen from Joy Jewellers in Hoshiarpur.The police are investigating all the cases.Referring to the repeated bomb threat emails being sent to schools, colleges, district magistrate offices, courts, and railway stations across Punjab, Pargat Singh questioned the effectiveness of the state’s cybersecurity systems, noting that authorities have failed to identify or apprehend those responsible. He demanded that the government disclose the origin of these threats and detail the concrete steps taken so far.Story continues below this adHe further warned that while police forces remain diverted by hoax threats, hardened criminals are exploiting the situation to carry out serious crimes and flee. The government, he said, is failing in its most basic duty—to protect the lives and property of Punjab’s citizens—while peace and public confidence are being systematically eroded.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Aam Aadmi PartyPunjab