In a shocking daylight attack, Lucky Oberoi, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was shot dead in Jalandhar, Punjab, on Friday, 6 January. The incident took place outside a gurdwara in the Model Town area, drawing widespread condemnation and raising serious concerns over law and order in the state.
According to initial reports, Oberoi was parking his vehicle outside the gurdwara when two unidentified assailants on a two-wheeler opened fire. He was struck by five bullets and sustained critical injuries. Despite being rushed to a private hospital for emergency treatment, he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards.
| Date | Time | Location | Incident Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 January 2026 | Morning | Model Town Gurdwara, Jalandhar | Lucky Oberoi shot by two assailants on a two-wheeler; sustained five gunshot wounds. |
Police swiftly arrived at the scene following the attack and have launched a full-scale investigation. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and collecting witness statements to identify the perpetrators. Oberoi’s death has sent shockwaves through the political community, as his wife had previously contested municipal elections on an AAP ticket, underscoring the family’s active political engagement.
The assassination has reignited intense debates over the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. Pratap Singh Bajwa, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, directly criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stating, “If leaders of the ruling party cannot feel safe, where does that leave ordinary citizens?”
Other political figures have also condemned the killing. Shehzad Poonawalla, the BJP national spokesperson, and Bikram Singh Majithia of the Shiromani Akali Dal accused the Punjab government of allowing the state to become a “haven for gangsters.” They alleged that the failure of the Chief Minister and the police chief had emboldened criminals to carry out such audacious attacks in broad daylight.
The Model Town area has since been placed under heightened security, with police patrolling the streets and local businesses remaining cautious. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate all possible leads, including mobile tracking, forensic analysis, and further review of surveillance footage.
The incident has sparked political tension across Punjab, with opposition parties demanding immediate action and accountability. Residents expressed fear and concern over their safety, highlighting the urgent need for a robust security framework to restore public confidence.