During the investigation and action of the Punjab Police in the Abohar businessman murder case, 2 persons died in a police encounter.
On July 7, 2025, at around 10 am, Sanjay Verma, the operator of New Wear Well Emporium, was shot dead near Bhagat Singh Chowk. According to eyewitnesses, three unknown assailants came riding a motorcycle and fired 8-10 bullets at Sanjay Verma, who was about to get out of his vehicle and enter the shop, killing Verma on the spot.
After carrying out the incident, the assailants left the motorcycle and fled with another vehicle. The police found an abandoned motorcycle from the spot, according to eyewitnesses, which is being said to belong to the assailants.
According to some sources, someone has claimed responsibility for the murder through social media and is being linked to the Vishnoi group and the murder was committed out of enmity.
On July 8, the police encountered two alleged accused, identified as Ajaykumar alias Sunny and Sukhvir Singh alias Sukha. During this, both the accused were injured and a policeman was also injured.
The police recovered a pistol, magazine and cartridges from the accused. After the incident, there was anger among the traders of Abohar and they demanded security.
The police are continuing the investigation and are collecting more evidence including CCTV footage. After the July 7 incident, there was anger among the traders of Abohar and they demanded security.
Reaction of political leaders
Political leaders like Sukhbir Singh Badal and Sunil Jakhar and Baring raised questions on the law and order situation in Punjab.
● Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab president and cabinet minister Aman Arora: In the Abohar murder case, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab president and cabinet minister Aman Arora targeted the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Arora alleged that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, whose gang claimed responsibility for the murder, is being kept in a Gujarat jail “like a son-in-law”. He said that due to this Lawrence Bishnoi is spoiling the atmosphere of the country including Punjab.
Arora questioned the BJP government at the center that it has failed to stop Lawrence’s criminal activities, due to which incidents like Abohar are happening. He assured the people of Punjab that AAP stands with the victim’s family and will continue to fight for the safety and rights of the people.
● BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu: BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu termed Arora’s statements as “inflammatory and misleading”, saying that it is an attempt to cover up the failures of the AAP government.
He said that the law and order situation in Punjab is the responsibility of the AAP government and targeting the Centre by the AAP president is part of a political game.
● Akali Dal Badal President Sukhbir Badal: Akali Dal Badal President Sukhbir Badal, describing the murder as an example of “jungle raj”, said that the law and order in Punjab has reached “its lowest level”. He said, “The shocking daylight murder of Sanjay Verma, owner of ‘The New Wear Well Tailors’ in Abohar, shows the jungle raj going on in the state.
Traders, doctors, artists and sportspersons are facing serious threat from blackmailers.” He strongly condemned the incident and expressed sympathy with the Verma family and demanded immediate arrest and punishment of the culprits.
● Sunil Jakhar: Sunil Jakhar, a resident of Abohar, called the murder a “horrible reminder” of the “collapse” of law and order in Punjab. He questioned the “silence” of the AAP government, saying that the government’s silence after such incidents further emboldens gangsters.
Jakhar questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, “Who is responsible for this disgrace in the name of Punjab?” and said, “Wake up, it is too late now.”
●Congress President Raja Warring: Congress President Raja Warring said that under the rule of the AAP government, Punjab is becoming a “gangland”. He said, “The common man is living in fear and terror, while criminals and gangsters are committing crimes without any fear.”
Warring, citing the attack on Dr. Aniljit Kamboj in Abohar as well as Moga, questioned the Punjab Police and said, “What is the Punjab Police doing? It needs strict action, otherwise the situation will completely get out of control.”