Police personnel inspecting the site from where the two murder suspects were nabbed. (Express Photo)In a significant development in the recent Sarpanch murder case in Punjab’s Tarn Taran, the police Sunday informed they have apprehended two key suspects following a gunfire exchange near a canal in the district’s Naushehra Pannuan village.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEOSurendra Lamba, Senior Superintendent of Police, Tarn Taran, said, “A joint team comprising the CIA Tarn Taran, SHO Sarhali, and AGTF had been acting on specific intelligence tips since yesterday (Saturday) evening, laying traps at multiple locations to nab criminals. Today, based on a precise tip-off, the team cornered two youths on a motorcycle near the canal. When challenged, the suspects opened fire on the police and attempted to flee. In self-defense… the police retaliated, injuring both – one with a gunshot to the knee and the other to the leg.”The accused duo has been identified as Sharanpreet Singh and Hardeep, both residents of Chohla Sahib in Tarn Taran. They were admitted to a hospital for treatment following the exchange of fire.The police said that interrogation post-capture has revealed Sharanpreet Singh as one of the four main accused in the Sarpanch murder case, and confirmed his presence at the crime scene alongside the other assailants. His exact role in the killing is under investigation.Asked about the other accused, a senior police officer said, “We are committed to cracking the case fully and ensuring justice.”Sarpanch Harbindar Singh was murdered during his cousin’s wedding at Sidhu Farm House on the outskirts of Tarn Taran city on Wednesday. Around 2.30 pm, the attackers entered the marriage hall. While the sarpanch was sitting on the sofa after dancing on stage with friends, a youth emerged from the crowd and fired four bullets into his stomach and head, killing him on the spot.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 LtdTags:Punjab Policepunjab violence