A senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was shot dead early Friday morning outside a gurdwara in Jalandhar’s posh Model Town area, triggering shock and concern across Punjab’s political circles. The victim, identified as Lucky Oberoi, was targeted moments after he offered prayers at the gurdwara, which he was known to visit every morning.
The incident took place around 8 am when Oberoi had just completed his daily religious routine. According to eyewitnesses, he had paid obeisance and was seated inside his Thar SUV, adjusting his shoes, when two unidentified youths arrived on a scooter and opened fire at close range. Oberoi sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to his chest and head.
He was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, doctors declared him dead shortly after his arrival. The sudden attack caused panic in the area, especially as religious programmes were underway inside the gurdwara premises at the time.
A sewadar present at the gurdwara said that several people initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks, as an Anand Karaj ceremony was also being held. It was only after a few minutes that those present realised that a shooting had taken place, prompting chaos and fear among devotees.
AAP Jalandhar Cantt halqa in-charge Rajwinder Thiara said the attack appeared to be pre-planned, as the assailants seemed fully aware of Oberoi’s daily movements. He added that visiting the gurdwara every morning was part of Oberoi’s fixed routine, suggesting that the attackers may have conducted prior surveillance before executing the crime.
Lucky Oberoi was a financier by profession and actively associated with the Aam Aadmi Party in Jalandhar. His wife, Simarjot Kaur, had contested the municipal councillor elections from the area on an AAP ticket in December 2024 but did not win. News of his death drew party workers, supporters, and family members to the hospital.
Senior police officials reached the spot soon after the incident and cordoned off the area. Multiple investigation teams have been formed, and CCTV footage from nearby roads, shops, and residential areas has been secured to identify the assailants and trace their escape route. Forensic teams also collected evidence from the crime scene.
Police sources said the manner of the attack indicates a targeted killing, though the motive is yet to be established. No arrests had been made at the time of filing this report, and further investigation is underway.
The killing has once again raised serious concerns over law and order in Punjab, particularly in urban areas. Political leaders across party lines condemned the incident and demanded swift action against those responsible, calling for strict punishment to ensure justice for the victim and his family.