Even as the Punjab Police claim that the murder of RTI activist and lawyer Simranjeet Singh stemmed from a personal and financial rivalry with his cousin — with whom he had gone to inspect a property in Maheru village — the incident has sparked sharp political backlash.
Reacting to the killing, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal posted on X: “Strongly condemn the brutal murder of RTI activist and lawyer Simranjit Singh in Phagwara today. This is a direct attack on democracy and transparency. He had earlier narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Jalandhar. Learnt that he is the same advocate who had filed a PIL in the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. Given the gravity of the matter, this demands a thorough investigation by an independent agency. Murdering people to silence voices that challenge wrongdoings has become the new normal in Punjab under the Aam Aadmi Party rule. Anti-social elements are having a field day, law and order has completely collapsed, and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is directly responsible for this ‘Jungle Raj’.”
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also took to social media, stating: “RTI activist and lawyer Simranjit Singh has been shot dead in Phagwara. Another shocking incident has raised serious questions about the state of law and order in Punjab. When activists, lawyers, and citizens fear for their safety, the government must answer. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann promised a safer Punjab. Today, people are asking why shootings, gang violence and targeted attacks continue despite repeated assurances. Punjab deserves justice, accountability and a government that can ensure the safety of every citizen.”
Phagwara Congress MLA Balwinder Dhaliwal questioned the state’s security situation, posting: “Shots fired at an RTI activist near LPU — is this the price of speaking the truth and demanding accountability? When those who fight corruption are attacked, it is an assault on democracy itself. The deteriorating law and order situation raises serious questions. The state government and the police must act swiftly, bring the culprits to justice and send a clear message that intimidation will not be tolerated.”
Echoing these sentiments, Jalandhar Municipal Corporation (MC) Councillor Jasleen Sethi wrote: “The daylight murder of RTI activist and advocate Simranjit Singh is a direct assault on transparency. When those fighting corruption aren’t safe, no citizen is. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann must act. Silencing activists silences democracy.”
