A well-known fashion designer and showroom co-owner Sanjay Verma was shot dead in broad daylight by three people outside his store in Punjab’s Abohar city on July 7.
Eyewitnesses said three assailants arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire on him as Verma stepped out of his showroom. The attackers fired multiple shots at him, causing panic in the area.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Ferozepur Range, Harmanbir Singh Gill, said the police are investigating the murder from multiple angles.
“Sanjay, a clothing showroom owner, was shot and died around 10 am today (Monday). We are investigating from multiple angles, have solid leads, and will soon trace the criminals involved… We have found 4 shells of gunshots with two different bores. We are investigating modus operandi…,” he added.
DIG Gill also revealed that a social media post has surfaced, in which someone has claimed responsibility for the killing.
Meanwhile, one Aarzoo Bishnoi has claimed responsibility for the murder through a social media post written in Hindi. The post, reads, “We, Goldy Dhillon, Aarzoo Bishnoi, and Shubham Lonker from Maharashtra, take responsibility for the murder… We had called him regarding a matter, but he refused to recognise us, so we shot him dead to make it clear who we are. He used to support our enemies – whoever goes against us will be crushed to dust. Whatever we do, we take full responsibility.”
Responding to the claim, Gill said, “We have seen that social media page and are verifying its authenticity — whether someone posted it to mislead the investigation or whether the people behind the post are actually involved. Punjab Police will crack the case soon.”
Initial investigation suggests three people were on a motorcycle; an update on their involvement will follow.
A FIR has been registered with murder charges against unknown persons, and further investigations are underway.
Notably, Sanjay Verma, who was in his 50s, was rushed to the Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. His death sparked panic and protests from residents and traders, leading to the shutdown of markets across Abohar.
The brutal murder has triggered strong reactions from the BJP.
Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, a native of Abohar has slammed the ruling AAP Government for the rising crime in the state.
“This has become the new normal in Punjab…Abohar is the symbol of peace and harmony in Punjab…There is no law and order situation in Punjab…People from Delhi are ruling Punjab, who don’t know anything about the state…”
Police have been scanning CCTV footage near the crime scene to identify the attackers. Senior police officials, who reached the spot, assured the victim’s family members and residents that they would apprehend the culprits early.
Responding to the incident, Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal said the 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 raj’. Businessmen and professionals, including doctors, artists and 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.”
