Slain businessman's brother appeals for justice as leaders gather at cremation

Abohar (Pb), Jul 8 (PTI) "Why are gangsters roaming free? What is our fault, just that we run a business and pay our taxes," asked the inconsolable brother of Sanjay Verma, who was shot dead by three assailants on Monday.

The mortal remains of Verma, a prominent local businessman, were consigned to flames on Tuesday under tight security in Indira Nagari, with many mourners and leaders from all major political parties of Punjab in attendance.

Emotions ran high as family members, especially Sanjay's brother Jagat Verma, broke down, demanding justice for his slain brother.

Leaders from the BJP, Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and others reached the cremation ground.

Venting his pain in front of his brother's pyre, Jagat Verma questioned the silence of those in power.

"Why are gangsters roaming free? What is our fault, just that we run a business and pay our taxes? Then why don't we have security in this country?" he asked in a choked voice.

Demanding justice for his brother, he appealed to all political leaders to rise above party lines and ensure that the culprits are brought to book.

Sanjay Verma, the co-owner of the 'New Wear Well Gents Tailor' showroom, was gunned down in broad daylight near Bhagat Singh Chowk on Monday.

Three unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle approached Sanjay just as he stepped out of his car near his showroom.

The assailants opened indiscriminate fire, leaving Verma critically injured. He was immediately rushed to the local civil hospital, where doctors declared him 'brought dead'.

Meanwhile, all the markets in Ferozepur remained shut in Abohar on Tuesday in protest against the killing.

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar led a protest march after the cremation and burnt an effigy of the AAP government at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk, alleging a "complete breakdown of governance".

"The daylight murder has created an atmosphere of fear not only among the business community but among all law-abiding citizens. The promises made by the current regime after bowing before Bhagat Singh's statue in Khatkar Kalan have proven hollow", alleged Jakhar.

Congress state president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who also attended the funeral, held both the BJP-led central government and the AAP government in Punjab responsible for the "growing gangster culture".

He demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on moral grounds and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" on extraditing gangsters sheltered abroad.

"The situation has become scary. This incident has reminded us of what happened with Sidhu Moosewala. He was also murdered in the same way. How are we allowing gangsters to operate like this?" asked Warring.

Singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, who was popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala, was shot dead in Punjab's Mansa district on May 29, 2022.

Punjab AAP president and Cabinet minister Aman Arora said whoever is found involved in this heinous act will not be spared.

Meanwhile, in an unverified post on social media, one Arzoo Bishnoi claimed responsibility for the businessman's murder.

Police said efforts were on to nab the assailants. PTI COR CHS RT RT