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Amritsar Murder Sparks Opposition Attack On Bhagwant Mann (Img: X)
Amritsar: A young man, identified as Amit Sabharwal, was shot dead outside his home in Amritsar’s Anand Avenue following an argument over a parked scooter, police said. The killing has triggered a political row, with opposition leaders accusing the Punjab government of failing to maintain law and order.
Gate Hakima police station SHO Baljinder Singh said the victim’s father, Sunil Sabarwal, informed the police about the incident the previous night. According to the officer, Amit was allegedly shot five to six times with a pistol. No arrests have been made so far.
The SHO said Amit had arrived outside his home with a friend when three brothers from the same neighbourhood—Abhi Shah, Sunny Shah and Hritik Shah—approached them and asked for their Activa scooter to be moved. An argument followed, after which Abhi Shah allegedly opened fire.
"We received information last night from Sunil Sabarwal that his son, along with a friend, arrived outside their home and their Activa scooter was parked outside. Just then, three individuals, Abhi Shah, Sunny Shah, and Hritik Shah, who are brothers and residents of the same neighbourhood, arrived. They asked for the Activa to be moved to the side. An argument ensued between them. Following the argument, Abhi Shah fired about five to six rounds from a pistol at Amit Sabarwal, resulting in his death."
Police are examining footage of the incident and conducting raids to trace the accused.
"No arrests have been made yet. Raids are being conducted, and the perpetrators will soon be apprehended and put behind bars," the SHO said.
Reacting to the killing, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu said law and order had "completely collapsed" in Punjab. In a post on X, he described the shooting as a shocking incident and questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s responsibility as the state’s home minister.
"The brazen murder of young Amit Sabharwal in Amritsar's Anand Avenue, shot 5-6 times in broad daylight, is spine-chilling," Bittu said.
He demanded immediate action against those responsible and accused the administration of failing to protect residents.
"As the state's Home Minister, when will Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann take responsibility for this rampant bloodshed? Stop the hollow claims and PR gimmicks—prioritise safeguarding the lives of the people of Punjab. When citizens are not safe even outside their own doorsteps, it exposes the absolute failure of the administration. The culprits must be arrested without delay and given exemplary punishment," Bittu said.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia also criticised the state government, alleging that people were being killed while the home minister remained indifferent to the deteriorating security situation.
"Bodies riddled with bullets are falling across Punjab at all hours, while Home Minister Guru Dokhi @BhagwantMann remains intoxicated by deep sleep!" Majithia said.
Claiming that Sabharwal had been shot in the forehead, Majithia asked, "Is this your 'Rangla Punjab'?"
He accused Mann of focusing on serving Delhi leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia rather than addressing Punjab’s security concerns.
"Punjab needs security, not goon rule!" he said.
