In a shocking incident that has raised concerns over the law and order situation in Punjab, Lucky Oberoi, a local leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was shot dead outside a Gurudwara in Jalandhar's upscale Model Town area. The incident occurred at approximately 8:15 AM when Oberoi was leaving the premises after offering prayers. Assailants opened fire on his vehicle, a Mahindra Thar, leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The brazen nature of the attack, carried out in broad daylight in a busy residential and religious hub, has sent shockwaves across the city. According to reports, the attackers fired between 7-8 rounds, with at least 5 bullets hitting Oberoi in the chest and head. The vehicle's windows were shattered under the intensity of the gunfire. This incident mirrors previous high-profile targeted killings in the state, prompting calls for stricter security measures.
Sequence of the Fatal Attack
Lucky Oberoi, a resident of Model Town, followed a routine of visiting the local Gurudwara every morning. On Monday, as he sat in his car to return home, motorcycle-borne assailants intercepted him. Without warning, they began firing indiscriminately at the driver's side, while the precision of the attack suggests a pre-planned conspiracy. After ensuring the target was hit, the attackers sped away from the scene before the local security or bystanders could intervene.
Police Investigation and Forensic Evidence
Senior police officials, including the Superintendent of Police (Investigation), reached the spot shortly after the incident. The area has been cordoned off, and forensic experts are collecting bullet shells and other evidence from the crime scene. Police have initiated a massive manhunt and are scanning CCTV footage from the Gurudwara and surrounding buildings to identify the suspects and their escape route. Preliminary findings suggest the involvement of professional shooters, though the motive remains under investigation.
Profile of Lucky Oberoi
Lucky Oberoi was a prominent local face of the Aam Aadmi Party in Jalandhar. Known for his active involvement in social and political issues, he had built a reputation for addressing public grievances on the spot. His influence in the Model Town area was significant, particularly among the youth. His sudden demise has left the local AAP unit in mourning, with several leaders demanding immediate justice and the arrest of the perpetrators.
Security Concerns and Expert Analysis
According to security analysts, the recurrence of such targeted shootings in Punjab highlights a persistent challenge for the state's law enforcement agencies. Experts point out that the use of illegal firearms in public spaces remains a critical issue. The timing and location of the attack indicate a lack of fear among criminal elements. Analysts suggest that the police must focus on breaking the network of organized crime and illegal weapon supply chains to prevent such incidents in the future.
The body of the deceased has been moved to the civil hospital for a post-mortem examination. An FIR has been registered against unidentified individuals under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. While the police have not yet named any suspects, they're exploring all angles, including personal enmity and political rivalry. Heavy police deployment continues in Model Town to maintain law and order.