Bullet hits SUV parked outside ex-Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh's Amritsar home, probe on

A bullet struck the front of a Punjab Police SUV parked outside the former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh's residence in Amritsar's Pratap Nagar. However, an initial investigation has dismissed any possibility of an attack. The incident was reported on the same day as a separate attack on SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal at Takht Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra.

Giani Raghbir Singh claimed the shooting occurred late at night on August 12, but his family learned of it around 5 pm on August 13 when the driver noticed a bullet mark while cleaning the vehicle. Police recovered a .32-bore bullet from the vehicle. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP-East) Rainder Singh stated that the bullet struck the bonnet at a 90-degree angle, indicating it was not a horizontal impact.

CCTV footage reportedly showed a youth arriving on a scooter and speaking on the phone at a nearby chowk, but his identity and motive remain unknown. Some bike riders were also spotted in the footage. Police are questioning them, but no crucial leads have emerged yet. An empty cartridge was also seized. Investigators are determining if the shooting was targeted or accidental.

Giani Raghbir Singh said he had not received any direct threats or calls, but he recalled previous attempts to hit his vehicle from the side or push it into a ditch, which were not taken seriously. He urged police to handle the latest incident with urgency, as a stray bullet could have injured a bystander or caused a fatality. An FIR was registered against unknown individuals, and an investigation is underway.

Giani Raghbir Singh, who retired recently, is currently residing at his personal home and continues to receive police security. In December 2024, a religious punishment was pronounced on SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal by Giani Raghbir Singh-led Sikh clergy, demanding his resignation as party chief and calling for an election within six months.