AAP vs BJP Over Abohar Murder After Bishnoi Gang Claims Responsibility

Chandigarh:
A fierce political clash has erupted in Punjab between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following the murder of Abohar-based businessman Sanjay Verma. The killing has reignited concerns over gang-related violence, particularly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gangs, who appear to be operating freely in the state.

Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Bittu on Monday questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s inaction in securing the custody of notorious gangsters accused of operating from outside Punjab. Bittu said he would formally request the Chief Minister to bring Bishnoi, Bhagwanpuria, and other criminals back under Punjab Police custody for investigation.

The controversy intensified after the Lawrence Bishnoi gang publicly claimed responsibility for Sanjay Verma’s killing. Verma, the co-owner of ‘New Wear Well Gents Tailor’, was shot dead by three attackers in broad daylight in a busy commercial area of Abohar on July 7.

While opposition parties initially slammed the AAP-led government over a collapse in law and order, the narrative shifted when AAP began pointing fingers at the BJP. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema accused the BJP of shielding Lawrence Bishnoi.

Cheema alleged that Bishnoi—who has been lodged in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail since 2014—continues to orchestrate crimes in Punjab despite being incarcerated in a BJP-ruled state. “Why is he being protected? Why was he shifted to Gujarat? And why is he allowed to operate from there?” Cheema asked during a press briefing.

He further claimed the BJP was using criminals like Bishnoi to stir unrest in opposition-ruled states. “This is not just a threat to law and order, but a direct attack on India’s federal structure,” Cheema said.

The blame game between AAP and BJP reflects the broader political stakes in Punjab, where rising gangster activity is increasingly becoming a flashpoint between the state and central governments.

News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.