Punjab Tarn Taran: Lakhbir Landa gang claims responsibility for AAP sarpanch’s murder

A day after an AAP sarpanch was shot dead by unidentified assailants at a wedding, the Lakhbir Landa gang claimed responsibility for the killing in an unverified social media post on Thursday (February 19, 2026).

Police said efforts were being made to trace the assailants.

Harbarinder Singh, Aam Aadmi Party leader and sarpanch of Thathian Mehta village, was shot dead at the wedding from close range by the two assailants on Wednesday (February 18). An AK-47 rifle was used in the attack, according to police.

The killing came nearly a month after another sarpanch and AAP leader, Jharmal Singh of Valtoha village in Amritsar district, was shot dead at a wedding.

In the unverified post that surfaced on social media on Thursday (February 19), the Lakhbir Landa gang claimed it was behind Harbarinder Singh’s killing.

Police had earlier said that the case was being investigated from all possible angles in a scientific and technical manner. They said that based on the investigation so far, there appeared to be no angle of threat or extortion.

The possibility of personal enmity or a revenge angle appeared to be strong, police had said.

Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba assured on Wednesday (February 18) that a thorough investigation into the matter would be conducted and exemplary punishment would be meted out for the culprits.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Patti) Jagbir Singh and Station House Officer (Sarhali) Gurvinder Singh have been suspended in connection with the incident on account of the absence of sufficient preventive policing measures.