Batala, Punjab — June 29, 2025
A chilling wave of gang violence rocked Punjab yet again as Harjit Kaur, the mother of notorious jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, was brutally gunned down on the outskirts of Batala. The attack, carried out in broad daylight by bike-borne assailants, also claimed the life of one of her close associates. Police have launched a state-wide manhunt as fear and fury ripple through the state.
The Attack: Calculated and Cold-Blooded
Eyewitnesses reported that Harjit Kaur and her associate were traveling in a car when they were ambushed near Bhagwanpur village. The attackers, masked and armed with automatic weapons, intercepted the vehicle, opened fire without warning, and fled the scene within minutes.
According to initial investigations, over 25 rounds were fired. The victims received multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot. The attackers are believed to have trailed Kaur’s vehicle for several kilometers before executing the hit with chilling precision.
Soon after the incident, a video surfaced on social media allegedly posted by members of the Bambiha gang. In the video, they claimed responsibility for the double murder, calling it “revenge” for past betrayals and warning of more violence to come.
Police Response: Tension and Tracking
The Gurdaspur Police have formed multiple special teams to investigate the killings. CCTV footage from surrounding areas is being analyzed, and checkposts across Punjab have been alerted. Drones and sniffer dogs have been deployed in nearby villages.
Senior police officials have labeled the incident a “major security breach” and promised swift action. “This is not just a criminal case but an attack on public safety and state law,” said Batala SSP Mukhwinder Singh. “No one will be spared.”
Despite these assurances, residents remain deeply shaken. Schools in and around Batala were closed for the day, and public transport saw a sharp decline as panic gripped the region.
The Rivalry: Gangster Gangs and Bloody Battles
The Bhagwanpuria and Bambiha gangs have been locked in a turf war for over a decade. What began as local disputes over territory and extortion rackets has escalated into a bloody battle for dominance across Punjab and beyond.
Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, currently in jail, has a history of violence and influence. His gang is accused in multiple cases of murder, extortion, and smuggling. His mother, Harjit Kaur, was considered the financial backbone and emotional pillar of the gang, managing its rural network while her son remained behind bars.
On the other hand, the Bambiha gang—which once operated mainly in Moga and Faridkot—has evolved into a nationwide criminal network with links in Haryana, Rajasthan, and even Canada. Their tactics are modern and ruthless, and they are known for using social media platforms to post threats and claim responsibility for crimes.
The latest killing is being viewed as a turning point in this gang rivalry. Security agencies fear that this could lead to an extended cycle of retribution killings unless strict measures are taken swiftly.
Political Reactions and Public Outcry
The incident has sparked outrage across political circles. Punjab’s opposition leaders have slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for what they describe as “total collapse of law and order.”
Former CM and BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh tweeted, “Punjab is burning again. This is not governance. This is a failure of duty, accountability, and justice.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has assured the public that justice will be delivered. “We will uproot gang culture from Punjab. No family should ever suffer like this again,” he stated during a press briefing.
Public sentiment is equally intense. Many citizens are calling for stricter anti-gang laws, better policing in rural areas, and a crackdown on criminal networks operating from jails through mobile phones and corrupt officials.
The Digital Trail and Ongoing Probe
Investigators are now tracing IP addresses and digital footprints associated with the Bambiha gang’s video post. The mobile tower dump data from the area around the crime scene has also been obtained.
While no arrests have been made so far, senior officials claim that leads have been found and that the identities of at least two assailants have been established. “We are close to cracking the case. Arrests will be made soon,” said a senior crime branch officer.
Final Thoughts: A Warning and a Wake-Up Call
The brutal killing of Harjit Kaur is not just a gang-related act—it’s a reminder of how deeply rooted organized crime remains in Punjab’s landscape. With rival gangs using social media as weapons and bullets as statements, the state finds itself at a critical crossroads.
While political leaders make promises and the police swing into action, the people of Punjab wait—for peace, for safety, and for a future free from fear.
