PHAGWARA, PUNJAB — The legal and activist community in Punjab is reeling following the brutal assassination of prominent RTI activist and advocate Simranjit Singh on Saturday morning. The victim, known for his relentless pursuit of high-profile public interest litigation, was gunned down in broad daylight near the ‘Law Gate’ of Lovely Professional University (LPU).
The Incident
According to preliminary police reports, the incident occurred on the Jalandhar-Ludhiana National Highway. Simranjit Singh had arrived at the location, allegedly to inspect a property, when he was intercepted by assailants. The attack was swift and lethal; witnesses reported hearing gunshots before the assailants fled the scene in a vehicle.
Local authorities, led by Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla and Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora, arrived shortly after the shooting to secure the area and initiate a forensic investigation.
Police Investigation and Evidence
Law enforcement officials have launched a multi-pronged investigation into the killing. Key findings from the initial scene analysis include:
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Weapon Recovery: A .32 bore pistol was recovered near the victim’s body, while a .12 bore rifle was found inside his SUV parked at the site.
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Technical Evidence: Investigators are currently scouring CCTV footage from the surrounding area and analyzing mobile tower location data to track the movement of the fleeing suspects.
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Forensic Analysis: The victim reportedly sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including fatal injuries to the head.
While rumors regarding motives—ranging from property disputes to targeted retaliation for his legal work—are circulating, official sources have yet to name a suspect or confirm a definitive motive. “We are working on several leads,” stated DIG Naveen Singla. “Technical analysis and forensic evidence are being prioritized to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
A Controversial Legacy
Simranjit Singh was a polarizing figure who frequently occupied the headlines for his legal challenges against powerful interests. His activism was marked by high-stakes battles in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Most notably, he was the primary petitioner challenging the constitutionality of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Amendment) Act 2026, a move that placed him at the center of a significant legal and religious debate in the state.
His history with violence adds a chilling layer to this tragedy. In June 2025, Simranjit survived a near-fatal assassination attempt, an incident that underscored the extreme risks associated with his work as an activist. The state police are now investigating whether today’s incident is linked to his previous legal battles or a new, unrelated conflict.
Community Reaction
The killing of a senior advocate and vocal activist has sent shockwaves through Punjab’s legal fraternity, with many calling for a swift, impartial probe and enhanced protection for whistleblowers and activists operating in the region.
As the investigation continues, authorities have urged the public to remain calm and rely only on official statements from the Punjab Police.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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