Chandigarh: A village sarpanch was shot dead in a daylight attack in Bagha Purana town of Moga district on Friday.
According to police, the victim, identified as Happy, was on his way to the gym in his Thar vehicle when five attackers arrived in a Fortuner and opened fire. The assailants allegedly fired around 10–12 rounds, with at least eight bullets hitting the sarpanch.
Happy was critically injured in the attack and was rushed to the Civil Hospital, where he later died during treatment.
Senior police officials reached the scene after receiving information about the incident. Moga Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Gandhi inspected the spot and directed police teams to begin an investigation.
Police have set up checkpoints in the area and launched a search operation to track down the suspects. Authorities said the attackers have been identified and several leads have been obtained. The vehicle used in the crime is also being traced.
According to officials, Happy had won the sarpanch election as an independent candidate and later extended support to the Indian National Congress.
The SSP said the initial investigation suggests the killing was linked to personal rivalry, adding that police are examining all angles related to the case.
