Calculated Assault Unfolds
On a Friday morning in Jalandhar, Lucky Oberoi, an Aam Aadmi Party leader, met a tragic end in a meticulously planned assassination. The incident, chillingly
recorded by CCTV, shows two individuals on a scooter executing a swift and brutal attack. Oberoi, aged 38, was en route home from the Model Town gurdwara around 7:30 am. The footage depicts the assailants approaching his Mahindra Thar as he settled into the vehicle after offering prayers. One assailant, clad in a black hoodie, disembarked, brandishing a firearm and firing multiple shots at close range, shattering the car's windows. The brazenness of the act, witnessed by shocked bystanders, was amplified by the attacker's calm demeanor amidst the gunfire before signaling his accomplice. This calculated act points to a pre-meditated strike, rather than a random act of violence, leaving the community in a state of disarray and concern.
Swift Escape and Investigation
The perpetrators demonstrated remarkable efficiency in their escape. Following the initial shots, the assailant on foot signaled to his accomplice, who was waiting on a white Honda Activa scooter. The accomplice skillfully maneuvered the scooter towards a nearby turn, allowing both attackers to vanish from the scene within mere moments. This rapid departure left onlookers stunned by the audacity and speed of the crime. Preliminary investigations by Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur Randhawa suggest the attackers possessed intimate knowledge of Oberoi's daily schedule, particularly his visits to the gurdwara, indicating the use of a scooter for reconnaissance and quick evasion. Authorities confirmed that 8-10 rounds were fired, damaging Oberoi's SUV and a nearby vehicle. The primary motive is believed to be an old enmity, with no immediate signs of an extortion angle. Oberoi was pronounced dead at a local hospital after being rushed there in critical condition. Law enforcement has initiated a comprehensive search, establishing numerous checkpoints and deploying forensic teams to meticulously gather evidence from the crime scene.
Political Fallout and Concerns
The shocking assassination has ignited a firestorm of political criticism, with opposition parties swiftly condemning the incident and the ruling AAP government's handling of law and order. BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill took to social media platform X to voice his concerns, stating that the AAP government has transformed Punjab into a haven for criminals and gangsters, suggesting that the rule of law has been supplanted by the 'rule of the gun.' This sentiment highlights a broader anxiety about escalating violence and the security situation in the state. The incident raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current security measures and the challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing such brazen acts of violence. The authorities are under immense pressure to apprehend the culprits and restore public confidence in the state's safety.
