Aam Aadmi Party leader Lucky Oberoi was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Punjab’s Jalandhar on Friday morning, triggering shock and renewed concerns over law and order in the state. The 38-year-old was attacked around 7:30 am when he stepped out after paying obeisance at the Model Town gurdwara and was about to leave in his SUV.
According to police, two motorcycle-borne attackers opened fire from close range, firing 8 to 10 rounds at Oberoi’s vehicle. The bullets shattered the window panes of his Mahindra Thar and also damaged another vehicle parked in the gurdwara premises. Oberoi collapsed in his car and was rushed to a nearby hospital in an unconscious state, where doctors declared him dead.
Jalandhar Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur Randhawa said CCTV footage from the area showed the attackers arriving on a Honda Activa and fleeing immediately after the shooting. Preliminary investigation suggests that the assailants had carried out a recce of Oberoi’s daily routine, as he was known to visit the gurdwara regularly in the mornings. “The attackers appeared to be well aware of his movements,” the police commissioner said.
Forensic teams were deployed at the spot, and senior officers are leading the investigation. The city was put on high alert following the, with around 15 checkpoints set up across Jalandhar to track the suspects. Police said old enmity has emerged as a possible motive in the initial probe, while ruling out any extortion angle so far.
The killing has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties targeting the AAP government over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Punjab. BJP leaders accused the state administration of failing to curb gang violence and criminal activity. Meanwhile, AAP leaders expressed grief over Oberoi’s death and demanded swift justice.
Authorities have assured that those responsible will be arrested soon, even as fear and anger linger in the city following the brazen daylight attack.
