Famous Punjab Businessman Sanjay Verma Shot Dead In Abohar

Police encountered and killed two suspects, Jaspreet Singh and Ram Ratan, in a shootout.

Punjab businessman Sanjay Verma, co-founder of New Wear Well, was fatally shot in Abohar by three masked assailants on Monday.

Source : X/@officeofssbadal

A well-known businessman in Punjab who co-founded a prominent clothing brand was shot dead by three masked assailants in Fazilika district's Abohar on Monday morning. 

The incident took place at around 10 am when Sanjay Verma, co-founder of New Wear Well, reached his store in his vehicle, reported the Indian Express. 

CCTV footage showed that the three bike-borne men opened fire from point-blank range as Verma stepped out of his car. In their haste to flee, their motorcycle slipped, forcing the attackers to snatch another bike from a passerby to continue their escape, the officials said. 

The businessman, who was in his 50s, was rushed to the Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. His death sparked panic and protests from residents and traders, prompting markets to shut in Abohar. 

Harambir Singh Gill, Deputy Inspector General, Ferozepur Range, said that two accused, Jaspreet Singh and Ram Ratan, were killed during a police encounter, adding that the other accused will also be arrested. 

When the police teams reached the spot to recover the weapon used in the incident, other associates of the accused opened fire on the police, Gill said. 

"Jaspreet Singh, Ram Ratan were killed in retaliatory firing... A senior police constable has also been injured in the encounter... We will also arrest other accused in this incident...," he said, reported ANI. 

Verma's clothing brand, New Wear Well, had gained recognition not only in India but among international clients as well, said the Indian Express report.

One Arzoo Bishnoi claimed responsibility for the murder. He claimed a social media post written in Hindi, which, 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," the post reads further. 

Responding to the claim, Gill said the authenticity of the post is being verified.