Ferozepur: A 32-year-old shopkeeper and son of a local Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader was shot dead by two unidentified bike-borne assailants in Ferozepur, triggering sharp political reactions and renewed allegations of a breakdown in Punjab’s law-and-order machinery.

The victim, Naveen Arora (32), was the son of long-time RSS functionary Baldev Raj Arora and had also served as an RSS volunteer. His grandfather, the late Dina Nath, was a senior RSS leader in Ferozepur.

According to police, the incident took place on Saturday evening when Naveen was walking from his shop to his residence near Sadhu Chand Chowk.

Two youths on a motorcycle opened fire at him from point-blank range and fled. Naveen was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Senior police officers, including SSP Bhupinder Singh, visited the spot. The SSP said that 8–9 police teams have been formed, CCTV footage is being scanned, and the assailants will be arrested soon.

Political reactions

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of a “total collapse” of law and order, alleging that gangsters are running a parallel government in the state.

“People in Punjab are being forced to live in an atmosphere of fear… Anti-social elements no longer fear the government,” Jakhar said, claiming threats and extortion calls had become routine.

Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma termed the killing part of a “spree of murders and crimes” and said criminals had grown emboldened under the current government.

BJP leader Fatehjung Singh Bajwa went a step further, urging the Centre to impose “governor’s rule” in Punjab, alleging that “the law-and-order situation is completely devastated”.

AAP MLA from Ferozepur City, Ranbir Singh Bhullar, met Naveen’s family and assured strict action.

Congress reacts

Congress MLA Pargat Singh also criticised the state government, alleging “complete chaos and lawlessness” in Punjab.

“There is complete chaos and lawlessness in Punjab, while the government remains busy with celebrations… There is no city left where incidents do not occur daily,” he told ANI.