Punjab Police ASI Harjit Singh Shot Dead in Amritsar; Bike-Borne Attackers Flee

September 20, 2026: A Punjab Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Harjit Singh, was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants while on duty near the Bhagtanwala grain market in Amritsar early Friday. Police are investigating the killing and examining CCTV and other technical evidence to identify the attackers.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over attacks on police personnel in Punjab's border districts.

ASI Harjit Singh Attacked While on Duty

According to police officials, Harjit Singh was deployed with the Police Control Room under Gate Hakima police station and was carrying out night-duty patrols when the attackers allegedly followed him and opened fire near Gate No. 2 of the Bhagtanwala grain market.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigation indicated that the attackers followed the ASI before firing at close range. A .30-bore shell was recovered from the crime scene.

Singh suffered critical injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he later succumbed.

CCTV Footage Being Examined

Police teams are examining CCTV footage from the area to reconstruct the movements of the assailants before and after the shooting.

The Tribune reported that preliminary CCTV analysis showed two men arriving in the area on an Activa scooter around 12:32 am. Investigators are also examining forensic and technical evidence collected from the scene.

As of the latest reports, police had not publicly identified the attackers.

Government Announces ₹1 Crore Assistance

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹1 crore for the family of ASI Harjit Singh.

An additional ₹1 crore insurance payout was also reported for the family through HDFC Bank.

DGP Gaurav Yadav visited the bereaved family and reviewed the investigation following the killing.

Comes Amid Other Attacks on Police Personnel

The killing comes after several attacks involving Punjab Police personnel this year.

Earlier in February, ASI Gurnam Singh and Home Guard jawan Ashok Kumar were killed at a police outpost in Adhian village, Gurdaspur district, close to the India-Pakistan border.

In May, ASI Joga Singh was shot dead near Majitha while travelling towards duty. More recently, another ASI near Ajnala survived a shooting in which an unidentified group later claimed responsibility.

Authorities are investigating whether these incidents are connected or represent separate cases.

No Confirmed Link to Cross-Border Network Yet

The location of the latest attack in Amritsar's border region has prompted security agencies to examine possible wider connections. However, there has been no confirmed claim of responsibility for Harjit Singh's killing, and investigators have not publicly established a cross-border connection.

Security agencies are examining CCTV footage, telecommunications data, forensic evidence and the weapon used in the attack as they work to establish the motive and identify those responsible.

Investigation Underway

The Punjab Police have launched a manhunt for the unidentified assailants. Investigators are expected to examine the attackers' route, possible escape vehicles, CCTV footage and other technical evidence.

The case remains under investigation, and the motive behind the killing has not been officially established.

Key Highlights
Victim: Punjab Police ASI Harjit Singh
Location: Bhagtanwala grain market, Amritsar
Attackers: Two unidentified motorcycle-borne men
Weapon: Police recovered a .30-bore shell from the scene
Status: Attackers not publicly identified as of the latest report
Investigation: CCTV, forensic and technical evidence being examined
Family assistance: ₹1 crore ex-gratia announced by Punjab government
Additional insurance: ₹1 crore reported through HDFC Bank