Punjab businessman Sanjay Verma shot dead in Abohar; Opposition calls it ‘jungle raaj’

Verma was immediately taken to the civil hospital, where doctors declared him dead | X/@sunilkjakhar

A prominent businessman from Abohar in Fazilka district, Sanjay Verma, was fatally shot outside his showroom on Monday morning.

As per reports, he and his elder brother, Jagat Verma, co-owned New Wear Well, a tailoring shop in Punjab, well-known for its kurta-pyjama stitching.

The police said the attack occurred shortly after Sanjay arrived at the showroom located in Abohar’s main market. They said three assailants opened fire on him and fled the scene on a motorcycle parked nearby.

Verma was immediately taken to the civil hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Police have launched an investigation to determine the reason behind the murder. Reports say the motive behind the killing remains unclear. His family claimed he had no known disputes or enemies.

The Opposition in Punjab attacked the Aam Aadmi Party government calling it ‘jungle-raaj’. Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, who belongs to Abohar and Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked the ruling AAP after the incident of daylight murder.

“Law and order in Punjab has plummeted to its lowest point. The shocking daylight murder of Sanjay Verma, owner of The New Wear Well Tailors in Abohar, underscores the prevailing jungle raaj," said Sukhbir Singh Badal in an X post.

“Businessmen and professionals including doctors, artists & athletes are facing grave threats from extortionists. I strongly condemn this brutal killing and offer heartfelt condolences to the Verma family. The perpetrators must be arrested immediately and brought to justice,” he added.

Jakhar said that the broad daylight murder in Abohar is another disturbing indication of the complete collapse of law and order in Punjab and slammed the AAP government’s silence after such incidents, saying it only emboldens gangsters.

“Deafening silence of the AAP Government after each such killing only emboldens the gangsters. CM Bhagwant Mann must tell Punjabis who is responsible for this blot on Punjab's name. Wake up, it's already too late,” he wrote on X.