Amritsar, September 19, 2026 – A Punjab Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants while on night patrol duty near a grain market in Amritsar early Friday morning.
The deceased officer has been identified as ASI Harjit Singh, approximately 50 years old and a resident of Tarn Taran district. He was attached to the Police Control Room (PCR) under the Gate Hakima police station of the Amritsar Commissionerate.
According to police, ASI Harjit Singh was sent on duty to the Dana Mandi (Bhagtanwala / Bhagtawala grain market) area around 9:30 pm on Thursday. The attack took place near gate number 2 of the market around 12:30–12:32 am on Friday. Two suspects on an Activa scooter were captured on CCTV footage in the area at that time.
The assailants opened fire from close range. A .30 bore empty cartridge was recovered from the spot. Preliminary findings indicate a single bullet struck the officer in the back of the neck. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where he was declared dead.
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, along with Amritsar Commissioner of Police Harmanbir Singh Gill and IG (Border Range) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, inspected the crime scene. The DGP later briefed the media, stating that teams are examining CCTV footage for backward and forward linkages, and forensic analysis is underway. He assured that the perpetrators would be traced and exemplary justice delivered.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹1 crore for the bereaved family. An additional ₹1 crore insurance compensation will be provided by HDFC Bank. The martyr will be accorded full police honours.
This incident marks another targeted attack on Punjab Police personnel this year. Hours earlier on Thursday night, a civilian named Sahilpreet Singh was also shot dead outside his house in Amritsar’s Islamabad Nagar by two motorcycle-borne gunmen who remain at large.
Police have launched a full investigation. No group has claimed responsibility in official statements so far. Authorities continue to scan CCTV networks and pursue leads.
ASI Harjit Singh laid down his life in the line of duty. Condolences have poured in from the police leadership and the state government for his family.