The broad daylight murder of RTI activist Simranjeet Singh outside Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara on Saturday has once again brought the issue of activist safety and targeted attacks into sharp focus in Punjab. The killing, carried out by two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle, has triggered a major police investigation while raising questions about the circumstances that left the activist vulnerable despite previous threats to his life.
According to police officials, the attack took place near the law gate of LPU at Chaheru village in Phagwara. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots before panic spread across the area. By the time people nearby rushed to help, Simranjeet Singh had sustained critical injuries. The attackers managed to flee from the scene within moments, leaving investigators scrambling for clues.
The incident is particularly significant because this was not the first attempt on Singh’s life. Nearly a year ago, he survived an attack by armed assailants outside a gym in Jalandhar’s Model Town area. Following that incident, local police had reportedly provided him with armed security personnel. Initial reports suggest that he was not accompanied by security guards at the time of Saturday’s shooting, a detail that investigators are expected to examine closely during the probe.
For more than a decade, Simranjeet Singh had built a reputation as an outspoken RTI activist known for filing petitions, complaints, and representations before various authorities. His work often involved seeking information and pursuing allegations related to public administration and governance. Over the years, he approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Punjab Police authorities, and central agencies on multiple matters that he believed warranted investigation.
People familiar with his work describe him as persistent and often willing to challenge influential individuals through legal and administrative channels. His activism frequently placed him at the center of controversial issues, earning both supporters and critics. Friends and associates say he remained active despite repeated threats and pressure, believing that transparency and accountability were worth pursuing regardless of personal risks.
Adding another layer to the case is the fact that Singh had reportedly shared certain documents with the Enforcement Directorate in matters linked to Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, who is currently in judicial custody. While investigators have not indicated any connection between these developments and the murder, the possibility that his professional activities could be relevant is expected to form part of the wider investigation.
Senior police officials reached the scene shortly after receiving information about the shooting. Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla confirmed that teams from Satnampura Police Station, forensic experts, and specialized investigative units were deployed immediately. Police cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence from the crime scene.
During the preliminary examination, investigators recovered a .32 bore pistol from the location. A .12 bore rifle was also reportedly recovered from a Fortuner vehicle parked nearby. Authorities are now working to determine whether either weapon was used during the attack or whether they are connected to the crime in some other way. Forensic teams have collected samples and ballistic evidence for detailed analysis.
Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from roads leading to and from the university area. Police sources believe that camera footage from nearby establishments, toll points, and traffic intersections could provide crucial information regarding the attackers’ movements before and after the shooting. Technical surveillance teams have also been tasked with tracing possible communication links and identifying suspects who may have assisted in planning the attack.
The killing has generated concern among civil society groups and transparency activists, many of whom have expressed shock over the incident. Several activists have argued that the murder highlights the risks faced by individuals who challenge powerful interests through legal mechanisms such as the Right to Information Act. They have called for a thorough, transparent, and time-bound investigation to ensure accountability.
Residents of Jalandhar’s Adarsh Nagar, where Simranjeet Singh lived, described him as a familiar figure who was deeply involved in public issues. News of his death spread rapidly across the city, drawing reactions from community members, activists, and political observers. Family members are understood to be cooperating with investigators as police work to establish a detailed timeline of his movements before the attack.
As the investigation progresses, authorities have not ruled out any angle. Police are examining personal, professional, and criminal leads while attempting to identify the shooters and determine who may have orchestrated the attack. Multiple teams, including Counter Intelligence units, have reportedly been assigned to the case, underscoring the seriousness with which law enforcement agencies are treating the murder.
The death of Simranjeet Singh marks another disturbing chapter in Punjab’s history of attacks on individuals involved in public-interest activism. While investigators continue their search for the gunmen, the incident has reignited debate over the protection available to whistleblowers, RTI activists, and individuals who regularly expose alleged wrongdoing through official channels.
For now, the focus remains on finding those responsible and uncovering the motive behind a killing that has shocked many across Punjab. Until answers emerge, the murder of Simranjeet Singh is likely to remain a case that attracts intense public scrutiny and raises difficult questions about security, accountability, and the risks faced by those who challenge the system.