US Citizen Shot in Panjab; Controversy Erupts Amid Claims of Lawlessness

Sukhchain Singh, a US citizen, was shot inside his home in Daburji village, Amritsar, on 24 Aug, with his family watching in horror. According to Amritsar Police Commissioner Ranjit Singh Dhillon, the attackers, connected to the family of Singh’s first wife who committed suicide in 2022, were allegedly hired from the United States, with investigations ongoing. He said, ‘The trail of money transferred from the US to India is being investigated. Soon others will also be arrested.’ Five people, including relatives of Singh’s first wife, have since been arrested, with police identifying the two shooters as previously having criminal backgrounds. The incident has escalated into a political controversy, with opposition leaders criticizing the AAP govt. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal stated, ‘The law and order situation in Panjab has completely deteriorated,’ while Panjab INC chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring claimed, ‘NRIs, once proud to call Punjab their home, now live in fear.’ CCTV footage shows Singh’s wife and children pleading with the attackers. AAP leader Neel Garg countered the opposition’s claims, accusing them of ‘politicizing a family dispute’ and misleading the public about the state’s law and order situation. The footage also captures the attackers attempting to fire more shots. Singh’s mother is seen repeatedly placing herself between her son and the assailants. Singh, who returned to Panjab a year ago after his wife’s death, was shot three times, with bullets striking his head and chest, leaving him critically injured but stable.