The North News
Abohar, July 7
A prominent businessman and social worker was shot dead in broad daylight outside his shop in Abohar on Monday, in an attack that has rattled the local community and reignited concerns over organised crime in the region. Sanjay Verma, co-owner of the ‘New Wear Well Gents Tailor’ showroom, had just stepped out of his car in the busy market area when three masked men approached and opened fire at close range. Verma died on the spot.
Hours after the killing, gangster Aarzoo Bishnoi, a known associate of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the murder in a social media post. Punjab Police said they are verifying the authenticity of the post and investigating possible links to extortion rackets targeting local traders.
Eyewitnesses say the attackers initially tried to flee the scene on a motorcycle, but after it skidded, they allegedly snatched another two-wheeler from a passerby and escaped. CCTV footage from the area reportedly shows the suspects roaming in the vicinity before the murder and fleeing in haste after the attack.
DIG Ferozepur Range, Harmanbir Singh Gill, told media on Monday that police are pursuing multiple angles in the investigation into the killing of Sanjay Verma, a clothing showroom owner who was shot dead around 10am outside his shop in Abohar. “We have recovered four bullet shells of two different bores from the scene,” Gill said. “Our initial investigation indicates that three individuals on a motorcycle were involved. CCTV footage and other forensic material are helping us piece together the sequence of events,” he added.
Responding to a social media post in which gangster Aarzoo Bishnoi claimed responsibility for the murder, the DIG said, “We are investigating whether the post is genuine or an attempt to mislead the investigation. No angle is being ruled out.”
Gill added that police are following strong leads and expect to make a breakthrough soon. “We are analysing the modus operandi carefully. The investigation is progressing swiftly,” he said.
