Moga, March 7: A village head was fatally shot by four unidentified gunmen in the main market of Baghapurana on Friday afternoon, an incident that sparked widespread alarm in the Moga district. Harpinder Singh Happy, who served as the sarpanch of Patto Hira Singh village, was targeted while navigating the crowded commercial area.
The assailants reportedly opened fire at close range, discharging several rounds before escaping the scene. Although bystanders rushed the sarpanch to the Baghapurana Civil Hospital, medical staff declared that he was brought dead on arrival.
Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Gandhi stated that the initial findings point toward a motive rooted in personal rivalry. He affirmed that the department has organized several specialized units to identify the suspects and the vehicle involved in the getaway.
Following the shooting, law enforcement cordoned off the market to allow forensic experts to gather evidence. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage from various business establishments to trace the path taken by the attackers.
The incident has gained political traction after a video surfaced from the hospital. In the footage, a young woman claimed that a leader from the ruling party was involved in the conspiracy. This prompted responses from opposition figures, including Sukhpal Singh Khaira of the Congress and Bikram Singh Majithia of the Shiromani Akali Dal, who asserted that the administration must ensure a fair probe into these allegations.
SSP Gandhi maintained that the authorities are looking into every possible angle to ensure those responsible are apprehended.
