Written by Kamaldeep Singh BrarAmritsar | January 14, 2026 10:48 PM IST 2 min readFormer AAP sarpanch Jarmal Singh was shot dead on January 4 at a wedding function on the Majitha–Verka Bypass in Amritsar.Sukhraj Singh alias Gunga, a notorious shooter linked to the Prabh Dasuwal gang and wanted for the killing of former AAP sarpanch Jarmal Singh, died of bullet injuries on Wednesday following an encounter with police during a recovery operation in the Vallah area of Amritsar.Police said Gunga was in custody when two unidentified men on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire from behind in an attempt to free him. At least six rounds were fired, one of which punctured a police vehicle’s tyre, triggering a gunfight. Constable Varun Kumar sustained a gunshot injury to his leg.According to police, amid the chaos, Gunga allegedly tried to snatch the 9 mm service pistol of ASI Harjinder Singh, in-charge of Police Post Vijay Nagar. In the ensuing scuffle, three rounds were fired, one hitting the vehicle window and two striking Gunga. He was rushed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.Police said the SHO of Police Station Sadar fired three rounds from his service weapon, while ASI Navtej Singh discharged four rounds from his AK-47 to counter the attackers, who fled on their motorcycle.Separate teams have been formed to trace the absconding assailants. A fresh FIR No. 10 dated January 14 has been registered at Police Station Maqboolpura under Sections 109, 132, 221, 304, 261, 61(2), 62 and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 25 and 27-A of the Arms Act. A .30 bore pistol was recovered from Gunga during the operation.Gunga, a 20-year-old labourer from Thakkarpura village in Patti, Tarn Taran district, was facing four criminal cases. He was also wanted in the 2024 murder of sarpanch Rajwinder Singh, registered under FIR No. 133 of 2024 at Police Station City Patti.Former AAP sarpanch Jarmal Singh was shot dead on January 4 at a wedding function on the Majitha–Verka Bypass in Amritsar. The murder was registered as FIR No. 05 at Police Station Sadar, and police said Gunga’s arrest had followed a breakthrough in that case.Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd