Renowned Abohar businessman Sanjay Verma shot dead outside his store, businesses shut down in protest

The shooting comes days after a doctor, Aniljit Kamboj, was shot at inside his clinic in Punjab’s Moga on July 4. Police on Sunday arrested two members of the Canada-based Lakhbir Singh Landa gang, and said it was meant to be a targeted hit. The doctor, who is on ventilator support, had reportedly been receiving extortion and threat calls since 2022.

And, on June 27, the mother of gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, who is lodged in an Assam jail, was shot dead in Batala in another targeted killing.

Verma’s clothing brand, New Wear Well, was popular not just in North India but among international clients as well.

His elder brother and co-founder of the business, Jagat Verma, was in Chandigarh undergoing treatment for health issues at the time. He rushed back to Abohar upon receiving the news of Verma’s death.

Harmanbir Singh Gill, Deputy Inspector General, Ferozepur range, said, “We have obtained important leads through CCTV footage and our investigation, and we will nab the culprits soon. No doubt the shopkeepers are in grief today, but I assure them there is no need to worry — we are here to protect them.”

The Fazilka police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that may help identify the assailants.

Meanwhile, one Aarzoo Bishnoi has claimed responsibility for the murder through a social media post written in Hindi. The post, when translated, 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.”

“In such incidents, it is usually either an old rivalry or a ransom demand behind the crime,” he said.
Late in the evening, Punjab AAP chief and Cabinet minister Aman Arora met Verma’s family at their residence.

An inconsolable Jagat Verma, elder brother of Verma, said, “We give so much of tax to the government, have given employment to over 700 people and still we are not safe. What was the mistake of my brother who went to his shop to work? We pay taxes and in return demand our safety, security and justice and nothing else. Take more taxes, but at least ensure our safety. This is the darkest day of our life. The entire business community is in shock”.

Meanwhile Arora said, “The Punjab government will ensure that the perpetrators receive the strictest punishment. Gangsters sitting in jails of other states are carrying out such heinous acts. Whoever is behind this incident will not be spared and exemplary punishment will be ensured. The police investigation is moving in the right direction and the culprits will soon be behind bars”.

In response to another question of mediapersons, Arora said that the family had not given any prior information to the police about receiving threats, and senior police officers often used to meet the family due to their high social standing.

Meanwhile, Abohar MLA and Congress leader Sandeep Jakhar told The Indian Express, “Four days ago, I wrote to the Punjab DGP requesting deployment of adequate staff at various police stations, as they are severely understaffed. I’ve been raising the issue of the deteriorating law and order situation in Abohar for some time, but my appeals fell on deaf ears.”

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, a native of Abohar, criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government. “The daylight murder in Abohar is yet another eerie reminder that Punjab’s law and order has collapsed. The 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,” Jakhar said.

Amandeep Singh Goldy Musafir, the AAP MLA from Balluana constituency, visited Verma’s family to express his condolences.