CHANDIGARH: In an incident of broad daylight violence, Sanjay Verma, co-owner of the renowned 'New Wear Well' tailoring showroom in Abohar, Punjab known for stitching kurta-pyjamas for political leaders, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Sunday.
According to sources, the shooting occurred outside Verma’s showroom when he arrived in his car. Three assailants on a motorcycle opened fire and fled the scene. In their haste, the attackers reportedly fell from their bike, abandoned it, and fled by snatching another motorcycle from a passer-by.
Verma was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but was declared dead on arrival.
Eyewitnesses, including shopkeepers and pedestrians, fled the area in panic upon hearing gunshots.
While the motive behind the murder remains unclear, Verma's family stated that he had no known disputes or enemies. Police have launched an investigation and are scanning CCTV footage from the area to identify the culprits. Senior police officials reached the scene shortly after the incident and assured the public that all efforts are being made to apprehend those responsible.
The incident triggered a political storm, with opposition leaders lashing out at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, who hails from Abohar, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“The broad daylight murder in Abohar is yet another eerie reminder that Punjab’s law and order has totally 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. Wake up, it’s already too late.”
Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa wrote:
“Gangsters rule Punjab and @BhagwantMann looks the other way. In Abohar, the owner of the iconic Wear Well tailoring shop is gunned down in broad daylight. In Moga, Dr Aniljeet Kamboj, father of actress Tania, was shot inside his clinic. This is not governance. This is complete lawlessness. @AAPPunjab has handed Punjab over to bullets and bloodshed.”
Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal added:
“Law and order in Punjab has plummeted to its lowest point. The shocking daylight murder of Sanjay Verma, owner of New Wear Well Tailors in Abohar, underscores the prevailing jungle raaj. 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.”