Sukhwinder Singh Calcutta, son of ex‑sarpanch Malkit Kaur, was shot dead in Sehna, Barnala. Arrests made, motive under probe: money dispute + political rivalry. Full timeline, police findings, and public reaction.
What Happened
- On Saturday evening (October 4, 2025), Sukhwinder Singh Calcutta, the son of former Sehna village sarpanch Malkit Kaur, was shot dead in broad daylight. The incident took place at a property dealer’s shop near the bus stand in Sehna.
- According to police reports, he was sitting outside or in the shop when an assailant opened fire.
- The accused has been identified as Harjinder Singh alias “Jinder”. Two other individuals, Gurdeep Singh (alias Deepi Bawa) and Jagwinder Singh (alias Paplu), are also arrested. A weapon (an illegal .30‑bore pistol) and a car believed used in the crime have been recovered.
Motive, Political & Social Context
- Personal Enmity & Monetary Dispute: The initial investigation points toward a financial disagreement between Sukhwinder and one of the accused, possibly over money transactions.
- Political Rivalry: Another thread under inquiry is political rivalry. In 2018, during the panchayat elections, Sukhwinder’s mother, Malkit Kaur, defeated Gurdeep Singh’s wife. It is alleged there was lingering ill‐will.
- Criticism of AAP & Switch of Allegiance: Sukhwinder Singh had been politically active. Earlier long associated with Congress, he had recently moved to Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar). He was outspoken against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), particularly over issues of governance and state policies. These political factors have led some leaders and activists to claim this was a “political killing.”
Arrests & Investigation
- Within 24 hours of the murder, Barnala police claimed to have arrested three suspects: Harjinder Singh (alias Jinder), Gurdeep Singh (alias Deepi Bawa), and Jagwinder Singh (alias Paplu).
- The police also recovered the car suspected to have been used in the crime and the illegal pistol.
- An FIR has been registered. Police are investigating based on eyewitness accounts, disputed claims of political vendetta, and possible monetary disputes.
Public Response & Implications
- There has been widespread public outrage. Many leaders and local activists have called for an impartial investigation, possibly by a central agency such as the CBI.
- Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhillon, Balkaur Singh (father of slain rapper Sidhu Moose Wala), and others joined protests in Sehna village.
- Critics of the AAP government have accused it of failing to maintain law and order. Questions have been raised about safety for political dissenters and political opponents.
Key Legal & Political Issues
- Rule of Law vs. Political Influence: Whether political rivalry tipped into violence, and whether political speech and opposition should expose individuals to risk.
- Law Enforcement Efficiency: How quickly were suspects caught, how strong is evidence, and whether police response is unbiased.
- Investigative Transparency: Calls for central agency involvement and transparency in investigation in cases with political overtones.
- Electoral After‑Effects: The lingering impact of panchayat election results and how local village politics can turn contentious years after polls.
What to Watch Going Forward
- The condition of the arrested suspects: whether more suspects emerge, what confessions or evidence emerge (e.g., phone data, CCTV footage).
- Whether there will be calls for or actual transfer of the investigation to a higher, independent agency (e.g. CBI).
- How AAP responds officially: whether it accepts political responsibility or insists case is personal enmity.
- Public protests: whether unrest continues, and whether there is pressure from civil society / human rights organizations.
- Impact on upcoming local political climates: this incident might influence voter sentiments, local alliances, or candidate behavior.
Motives & Theories Under Investigation
- Personal Enmity & Financial Dispute
According to police, Sukhwinder and Harjinder (“Jinder”) had monetary dealings and a dispute was brewing. Just before the incident, videos surfaced allegedly showing Jinder speaking on live video about a financial issue with Sukhwinder. That angle is being taken seriously by investigators. - Political Rivalry / Election Grudge
Another strong motive under probe is political rivalry born out of the panchayat elections of 2018. Sukhwinder’s mother, Malkit Kaur, defeated Gurdeep Singh’s (Deepi Bawa’s) wife in that election. Villagers say this created longstanding tension. - Public Criticism and Opposition Activity
Sukhwinder was known to oppose AAP in his region, he had recently switched political affiliation from Congress to Akali Dal (Amritsar), and was outspoken on governance and identity issues in Punjab. Some believe his political voice may have made him a target.
Police & Legal Action
- Arrests and Evidence
- Within a day of the murder, three suspects (Jinder, Deepi Bawa, Paplu) were arrested.
- Recovered are: illegal .30‑bore pistol, vehicle used in crime.
- FIR filed on complaint of deceased’s brother, Sukhjit Singh Dhaliwal.
- Criminal Records / Backgrounds
- Jinder and Deepi have criminal histories: Jinder has ~4 prior cases, Deepi has ~2 cases.
- Jagwinder went to Ludhiana to procure the pistol allegedly.
- Jinder reportedly disposed of his mobile phone after the crime.
- Forest of Protests & Political Pressure
- Massive political reaction: leaders from Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, leaders like Charanjit Singh Channi, Balkaur Singh (father of Sidhu Moose Wala), and many others joined protests.
- Accusations have flown: Congress claims law and order is failing; AAP has pushed back, accusing Congress of politicizing the matter.
- Investigative Process
- Multiple police teams are working to gather evidence (witnesses, CCTV, call records).
- Police are focusing on the video where the accused allegedly spoke publicly of a financial dispute. That is a key lead.
Social & Political Repercussions
- Public Sentiment
Shock and anger in the village and surrounding areas. People note the boldness of the crime — in daylight, near a bus stand in a village bazaar. Many demand swift justice. - Accusations Against AAP Govt
Congress and opposition leaders are holding the ruling party responsible for what they describe as deteriorating security and law & order in Punjab. They argue that vocally critical voices are being targeted. - Calls for Independent Investigation
There are demands for investigation by central agencies (e.g. CBI) or Punjab & Haryana High Court to take suo motu cognisance.
Issues Still Unclear / Under Investigation
- Who exactly triggered the shot — whether Jinder acted alone or under someone’s instigation.
- Exact motive: whether monetary dispute alone or a mix of politics + money + rivalry.
- How prior criminal records of accused will affect bail, charges.
- Whether Sukhwinder’s political criticism or identity activism played a real role.
- Role of local video / social media footage as evidence.
- Whether there were advance threats, warnings, or attempts on him before this.
Legal Sections & FIR Details
- FIR registered under relevant Indian Penal Code / Arms Act sections: includes charges related to use of illegal firearm, aiding and abetting, culpable homicide etc.
- Sections include Section 25 of the Arms Act (possession of illegal weapon) among others.
- Police have initiated remand of arrested accused to further interrogate and produce in court.
