Punjab ASI Iqbal Singh Shot Dead in Tarn Taran; Fifth Cop Killed This Yearਤਰਨ ਤਾਰਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਏਐੱਸਆਈ ਇਕਬਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੀ ਗੋਲੀਆਂ ਮਾਰ ਕੇ ਹੱਤਿਆ; ਇਸ ਸਾਲ ਪੰਜਵਾਂ ਪੁਲੀਸ ਮੁਲਾਜ਼ਮ ਮਾਰਿਆ ਗਿਆ

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Iqbal Singh of the Punjab Police was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in Tarn Taran district on Sunday evening, 11 October 2026. He is the fifth Punjab Police personnel killed in targeted attacks this year, and a social media post attributed to foreign-based gangsters has claimed responsibility. Police have not confirmed the motive or named any suspect.

What happened in Tarn Taran?

Iqbal Singh, 55, a resident of Naushera Pannuan village and posted with the Ferozepur police, was riding his motorcycle home at around 7:30 pm when assailants on another motorcycle opened fire near the Patwarkhana on the Naushera–Lohka road. Tarn Taran SSP Surinder Lamba said the attackers fired several shots and two bullets hit the ASI from point-blank range. He was taken to hospital, where he was declared dead. Reports describe him as working with the Counter-Intelligence unit in Ferozepur.

What are the police doing?

Senior officers, including the SSP and Patti DSP Ravi Sher Singh, reached the spot, cordoned off the area and collected evidence. Police said multiple teams have been sent out to trace the attackers, and CCTV footage from cameras near the scene and along nearby roads is being examined. The motive and identities of the shooters have not yet been established.

Is the killing linked to his nephew's murder?

On 11 September, Iqbal Singh's nephew Ajmeet Singh was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants. Police arrested an accused in that case after an encounter in which he was injured. Ajmeet reportedly had more than half a dozen cases registered against him at Sarhali police station. Reports say investigators are examining whether the two killings are connected, but no link has been established.

What have the gangsters claimed?

A purported social media post by several foreign-based gangsters claimed responsibility for the killing. Jugti has not repeated their allegations about the deceased, and the authenticity of the post and of the claim has not been independently verified. Police have not commented on it.

How many police personnel have been killed this year?

According to reports, ASI Gurnam Singh and Home Guard jawan Ashok Kumar were shot dead in Gurdaspur in February, ASI Joga Singh was killed in Majitha in May, and ASI Harjit Singh was shot dead on PCR duty near Bhagtanwala grain market in Amritsar on the night of 17-18 September. Iqbal Singh is the fifth. Two other personnel have survived gun attacks, with the latest on 4-5 October in Ajnala. The killings come months before the 2027 Assembly elections and have renewed concerns over the safety of police staff outside duty hours.

Who was ASI Iqbal Singh?

He was a 55-year-old Punjab Police ASI from Naushera Pannuan village in Tarn Taran district, posted with the Ferozepur police.

Where did the attack take place?

Near the Patwarkhana on the Naushera–Lohka road, close to his village, at about 7:30 pm on Sunday.

Has anyone been arrested for the killing?

No. As of Sunday night police had not announced any arrest and were examining CCTV footage to identify the attackers.