In a chilling incident that has shaken Punjab, businessman Sanjay Verma was shot dead outside his showroom in Abohar, bringing the spotlight back on the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, reported The Times of India. The Punjab businessman murder case occurred in broad daylight as masked assailants fled the scene, sending shockwaves across the local business community and raising serious questions about safety and rising criminal activity in the region.
Sanjay Verma, co-owner of the popular tailoring brand New Wear Well, was attacked around 10:15 am near Bhagat Singh Chowk in Abohar’s main market. CCTV footage captured the moment three masked men arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire on Verma just as he stepped out of his Hyundai i20, and attempted to flee. When their motorcycle skidded, they snatched another from a passerby and later escaped in a white Maruti Swift. Despite being rushed to the Civil Hospital, Verma succumbed to his injuries.
Police recovered four bullet casings from two different weapons at the crime scene. Fazilka SSP Gurmeet Singh and DIG Harmanbir Singh Gill are leading the investigation. CCTV footage and technical surveillance are being used to track the assailants, and a social media post allegedly claiming responsibility—suspected to be linked to the Bishnoi gang—is under verification.
Markets Shut Down in Protest
The murder has triggered outrage in Abohar. Traders closed their shops in protest, and a spontaneous bandh gripped the town. Business owners expressed fear and frustration over repeated extortion threats and the lack of security for professionals and traders. Sanjay Verma’s elder brother, Jagat Verma, expressed deep anguish, saying that entrepreneurs feel abandoned by the administration despite contributing to society through taxes and employment.
Sanjay’s cremation was attended by hundreds, with slogans demanding justice and better security arrangements echoing through the streets.
Political Uproar: State Government Under Fire
Political reactions were swift and strong. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu compared the situation in Punjab to crime-infested nations like Mexico and Colombia. He accused the ruling state government of letting gang culture flourish unchecked. Several opposition leaders joined the chorus of criticism.
BJP leader Sunil Jakhar, Shiromani Akali Dal’s Sukhbir Singh Badal, and Congress’ Amrinder Singh Raja Warring all slammed the government for failing to maintain law and order. Sukhbir Badal said that “jungle raj” had returned to Punjab, while Jakhar blamed administrative failure and weakening of the police force. Raja Warring questioned how extortionists were able to operate freely while law-abiding citizens were being targeted.
The opposition has demanded a high-level probe into the killing, and some leaders are pushing for central agency involvement in cases of rising gangster activity in Punjab.
Investigation and Trail of Evidence
Police officials said the attackers had clearly conducted prior reconnaissance. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts are being pieced together to establish the escape route and identity of the killers. Roadblocks have been set up around Abohar, and police teams have been dispatched to border areas as well.
The white Maruti Swift believed to have been used in the escape was recovered, and several suspects are being questioned. Authorities remain tight-lipped about further details to avoid compromising the investigation.
Business Community in Fear
This incident has once again highlighted the growing threat faced by Punjab’s business community. In recent months, there have been multiple cases of extortion and targeted killings. The murder of Dr. Aniljeet Kamboj in Moga and attacks on other entrepreneurs have created an environment of fear.
Businessmen now say that despite raising concerns repeatedly, no effective protective measures have been put in place. They demand not only justice in the Sanjay Verma case but also systemic reforms and real-time intervention strategies to prevent future attacks.
For Abohar, Sanjay Verma was more than just a businessman—he was a symbol of enterprise and community growth. His violent end is a reminder of the deepening security vacuum that needs urgent attention.
Photo Credit: The Times of India
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