Jalandhar woke up to shock and fear on Thursday morning after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Lucky Oberoi was shot dead in a brazen attack outside a gurdwara in the city’s Model Town area.
The shooting took place around 7.50 am, a time when the area was beginning to get busy. Oberoi had just finished offering prayers at the gurdwara and was seated in his car parked outside the premises. According to police, two unidentified men on a motorcycle approached the vehicle and opened fire at close range, firing several rounds before speeding away.
Eyewitnesses said the attack happened within seconds, leaving people stunned and scrambling for safety. Oberoi suffered multiple gunshot wounds and collapsed inside his vehicle. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival due to the severity of his injuries.
Police officials said the attack appeared well-planned, given the timing and the number of shots fired. The area was immediately sealed off, and forensic teams were called in to collect evidence. CCTV footage from nearby shops, homes, and traffic cameras is being examined to trace the attackers’ route and identify the suspects.
The killing has caused panic and anger among local residents, who said they never expected such violence near a place of worship in a residential neighbourhood. Many questioned how gunmen could strike so openly and escape.
Lucky Oberoi was a known local leader of the Aam Aadmi Party and was active in party work in Jalandhar. His wife, Simarjot Kaur, had earlier contested civic elections on an AAP ticket. Party workers described Oberoi as accessible and closely connected to the community.
Political reactions poured in soon after the incident. Opposition leaders criticised the law and order situation in Punjab, while AAP leaders demanded swift arrests and strict punishment for those responsible.
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