Punjab Police ASI shot dead on duty in Amritsar, DGP Gaurav Yadav visits scene
Synopsis
A Punjab Police ASI was shot dead from close range by motorcycle-borne assailants in Amritsar while on duty late Thursday night — a targeted killing that has mobilised multiple special teams, drawn DGP Gaurav Yadav to the scene, and prompted the Chief Minister to announce ₹1 crore in ex-gratia compensation, with a further ₹1 crore insurance payout from HDFC Bank.
Key Takeaways
ASI Harjeet Singh of Punjab Police was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Amritsar on the night of 18 September 2026 while on duty.
The attack occurred at around 12:30 am near Dana Mandi ; assailants reportedly followed him on a two-wheeler and fired a .30-bore pistol .
DGP Gaurav Yadav personally visited the crime scene, reviewed CCTV footage, and met the officer's family.
Several special teams have been constituted; forensic evidence and movement trails are under examination.
The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of ₹1 crore for the family; HDFC Bank will provide an additional ₹1 crore insurance payout .
The officer will be accorded full police honours .
Punjab Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Harjeet Singh was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Amritsar on Friday, 18 September 2026, while on duty — triggering a high-priority investigation and prompting Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav to personally visit the crime scene.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to preliminary findings, ASI Harjeet Singh had left Gate Hakiman police station at around 9:30 pm for duty at Dana Mandi. The attack reportedly took place at around 12:30 am. Initial findings suggest that the assailants followed the officer on a two-wheeler before approaching him at close range and opening fire with a .30-bore pistol, with a bullet striking the back of his head or neck.
Police recovered an empty .30-bore cartridge case and blood stains from the spot. The evidence has been sent for forensic examination. The exact cause and circumstances of death are to be confirmed following the post-mortem examination.
DGP Reviews Crime Scene, Assures Action
DGP Gaurav Yadav visited the site, personally assessed the technical aspects of the investigation, and met the family of the deceased officer to offer condolences. He confirmed that CCTV footage from the area was being examined and movement trails analysed to identify the assailants.
'Exemplary action will be taken against the culprits,' DGP Yadav said, addressing the media. He added that the investigation was being conducted with professional competence and through detailed technical analysis, and assured the family that every effort would be made to arrest those responsible.
Special Teams Constituted
Several special investigation teams have been formed to trace and apprehend those involved. Police are also evaluating forensic evidence and technical inputs to establish the sequence of events and identify the perpetrators. Authorities said a breakthrough was being pursued at the earliest.
Government Announces Compensation
In a post on social media platform X, DGP Yadav announced that Chief Minister had declared an ex-gratia of ₹1 crore for the family of ASI Harjeet Singh, with an additional ₹1 crore insurance payout to be provided by HDFC Bank. The officer will be accorded full police honours. 'Our brave police officer, ASI Harjit Singh of district Amritsar, has laid down his life in the line of duty. Punjab Police stands firmly with the bereaved family in their hour of grief,' the DGP wrote.
The killing of a serving police officer on duty in Amritsar raises serious concerns about targeted violence against law enforcement in the region, and the case is expected to remain under close scrutiny as investigators work to identify the perpetrators.
Point of View
Not a chance encounter. Notably, the DGP's own social media post and the Chief Minister's swift ex-gratia announcement signal an attempt to project institutional resolve — but the operational question of how a duty-bound officer was tracked and eliminated without prior intelligence remains unanswered. The speed of the political response is reassuring; the absence of any early lead on suspects is not.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was ASI Harjeet Singh and how was he killed?
ASI Harjeet Singh was a serving Punjab Police officer attached to Gate Hakiman police station in Amritsar. He was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Dana Mandi at around 12:30 am on 18 September 2026 while on duty, reportedly after being followed by attackers on a two-wheeler who fired a .30-bore pistol at close range.
What action has Punjab Police taken after the killing?
DGP Gaurav Yadav personally visited the crime scene, reviewed CCTV footage, and assessed forensic evidence. Multiple special investigation teams have been constituted to trace and apprehend the assailants, with police analysing movement trails and technical inputs to establish the sequence of events.
What compensation has been announced for the family of ASI Harjeet Singh?
The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹1 crore for the family of ASI Harjeet Singh. Additionally, HDFC Bank will provide a separate ₹1 crore insurance payout to the family. The officer will also be accorded full police honours.
What evidence has been collected from the crime scene?
Police recovered an empty .30-bore cartridge case and blood stains from the site of the attack. The evidence has been sent for forensic examination. The final cause and circumstances of death are to be confirmed after the post-mortem examination.
Has anyone been arrested in connection with the Amritsar ASI killing?
As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made. Several special teams are actively investigating the case, examining CCTV footage and movement trails. DGP Gaurav Yadav has assured that a breakthrough will be pursued at the earliest and that exemplary action will be taken against those responsible.
