ABOHAR, July 14 — Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora on Sunday pledged that those responsible for the murder of local businessman Sanjay Verma would face the harshest punishment, reaffirming the state government’s zero-tolerance policy on crime.
Speaking at a prayer meeting held in Verma’s memory, Arora said, “The culprits will not be spared. The strictest punishment will be ensured. Multiple police teams are investigating the case from all angles.”
Verma was shot dead on July 7 in Abohar. Following the killing, gangster Aarzoo Bishnoi allegedly claimed responsibility through a Facebook post. Although the three assailants directly involved in the murder remain at large, two other accused — Jaspreet and Ram Rattan — were killed in a shootout during a police operation when their accomplices opened fire to help them escape.
Amid the ongoing investigation, public criticism intensified as Balkaur Singh, father of slain Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of harbouring criminals.
The murder has triggered renewed scrutiny of Punjab’s approach to gang violence, especially in the wake of high-profile cases involving organised crime and political criticism over alleged state complicity.
Minister Arora, however, maintained that the administration would act decisively. “There is no place for criminal elements in our state. Justice will be delivered,” he said.
