Prominent Punjab Businessman Sanjay Verma Shot Dead in Abohar; Police Probe Social Media Claim of Responsibility

Sanjay Verma, a clothing showroom owner in Abohar, was gunned down by three unidentified attackers; police say they’re investigating from multiple angles, including a social media post claiming responsibility.

Fazilka (Punjab), July 8:
In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through the region, prominent businessman Sanjay Verma was shot dead by three unidentified assailants in broad daylight in Abohar, under Punjab’s Fazilka district, on Monday morning. The incident occurred around 10 am near his clothing showroom, where he was ambushed and fatally shot.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Ferozepur Range, Harmanbir Singh Gill, confirmed the killing and stated that the police are actively pursuing the investigation from multiple directions. “Sanjay, a clothing showroom owner, was shot and died around 10 am today. We are investigating from multiple angles, have solid leads, and will soon trace the criminals involved,” DIG Gill told reporters.

According to initial findings, the killers fired multiple rounds using firearms of two different bores. “We have found four shells of gunshots from the scene. CCTV footage and other material are assisting us in solving the case,” Gill added.

In a significant development, a post has surfaced on social media, in which an unidentified user has claimed responsibility for the murder. DIG Gill, however, cautioned against taking it at face value. “Someone took responsibility by posting a message online. We are verifying if it was intended to mislead the investigation. At this point, three persons on a motorcycle are believed to be involved,” he said.

A case under murder charges has been registered against unknown individuals. The police have sealed off the area, collected forensic evidence, and are scanning CCTV footage from nearby cameras to identify the attackers.

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Political Reactions and Fallout

The brutal murder has sparked political outrage, especially from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government for failing to maintain law and order.

Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar criticized the government harshly. “This has become the new normal in Punjab. Abohar has always been a symbol of peace and harmony. But now, under the current government, the law and order situation has collapsed. People from Delhi are ruling Punjab and have no understanding of this state’s needs,” he said, referring to the AAP’s central leadership.

In contrast, AAP Punjab President Aman Arora expressed condolences and visited the bereaved family. “It’s an unfortunate incident. Businessman Sanjay Verma was brutally murdered. I met with his family and assured them that the culprits will not be spared. Justice will be delivered,” he said in a statement.

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Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say they are taking the case seriously, especially in light of growing public anxiety over law and order. Police teams have been deployed to track down the suspects and confirm the authenticity of the online claim. Multiple angles, including business rivalry, personal enmity, and extortion threats, are being examined as possible motives.

The state’s crime investigation team is also likely to join the probe, sources said, given the public sensitivity and political attention surrounding the murder.