CHANDIGARH, Nov 16 : An RSS leader’s grandson was shot dead in Punjab’s Firozpur district on Friday, in what police suspect to be a targeted killing. The man was attacked in the busy Mochi Bazaar area while he was on his way to pick up his children from school. Two assailants approached him from behind and fired at his head, leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Soon after the incident, a post circulating on social media purportedly issued by a Khalistan-linked outfit identifying itself as the “Sher-e-Punjab Brigade” claimed responsibility for the attack. The post accused the victim’s family of being associated with what it called “Hindutva groups” and alleged involvement in “anti-Punjab activities.” Police have not authenticated the claim and said the post is under technical scrutiny.
A CCTV video connected to the shooting has surfaced, prompting police to focus on the angle of the targeted killing. Officials said CCTV footage from surrounding shops is being analysed to identify the attackers. “We are examining all available visuals. Teams have been deployed, and arrests will be made soon,” police said.
The social media post, signed in the name of individuals claiming to be commanders and spokespersons of the group, used inflammatory language and alleged that the killing was carried out as part of its separatist campaign. Authorities stressed that such propaganda is part of an effort to create fear and unrest and that its authenticity remains unverified.
The incident created panic in the market, with traders immediately shutting their shops after hearing gunshots. Several BJP leaders reached the spot and raised slogans against the administration, accusing the government of failing to maintain law and order.
BJP state president Sunil Jakhar said the killing once again exposed the “collapse of law and order” under the AAP government. He alleged that “gangsters associated with the ruling party are emboldened,” and said the chief minister had “left Punjab directionless.”
Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu also criticised the state government, questioning accountability. He asked why senior police officers were being suspended in other cases, but no responsibility was being fixed in a high-profile murder like this. “If the police are failing to control crime, the chief minister must answer,” he said.
Meanwhile, police teams have intensified searches to trace the shooters. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and a murder case has been registered. Officials said more technical inputs are being gathered and that further updates will follow once the investigation progresses.
(UNI)
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