On Monday morning, textile businessman and social worker Sanjay Verma was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Abohar, sparking fresh fears over Punjab's law and order situation.
Verma, co-owner of New Wear Well Gents Tailor, was attacked at around 10:15 AM just as he stepped out of his car near his shop. Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage revealed that three masked shooters opened fire on him at close range. After the shooting, the assailants attempted to flee on a motorcycle, but it skidded. They then snatched another bike from a passerby and escaped.
Despite being rushed to the local civil hospital, Verma was declared brought dead. A post-mortem is being conducted. The killing sent shockwaves across the city, with hundreds gathering outside the mortuary, especially from the local trader community, which was deeply shaken by the incident.
A social media post by gangster Aarzoo Bishnoi, a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the murder. Police are investigating the post and probing whether the motive was extortion-related.
Abohar MLA Amandeep Singh Goldy visited the hospital to meet Verma’s family and offer condolences. In protest, several local trade associations called for a complete market shutdown on Monday, demanding urgent action and improved protection for businesspeople.
Police have sealed all entry and exit points of the city, sounded a high alert, and launched a large-scale manhunt. Multiple CCTV videos are being analyzed to trace the attackers’ movements.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the deteriorating law and order situation. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar condemned the silence of the state government, accusing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of failing to control rising gangster activities in the border state.
