Punjab man shot dead during argument over parking spot with neighbours in Amritsar

Amit Sabharwal was shot five to six times. His family rushed him to a nearby private hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Prefer HTon Google

A 28-year-old man was shot dead in Punjab's Amritsar on Friday following an altercation over a parked scooter, police said. Amit Sabharwal, a marketing professional, was allegedly killed by a neighbour near his residence in the Anand Avenue locality on Chabhal Road.

Amit had come home with a friend when three brothers -- Abhi, Sunny and Hritik Shah -- approached them and demanded they move their two-wheeler, as per the FIR registered on a complaint by his father, Sunil Sabharwal.

The argument quickly escalated. Abhi Shah allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired five to six rounds at Amit, hitting him multiple times, including in the head. Amit’s family immediately rushed him to a nearby private hospital, where he was declared dead.

Station House Officer (SHO) Baljinder Singh stated that police were scanning CCTV footage from the surrounding area to verify the sequence of events. Law enforcement agencies are currently conducting raids to apprehend the three suspects, who fled the scene and remain at large.

Amit’s family said he had no enmity with anyone and demanded strict action against those responsible.

Political reactions

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravneet Singh Bittu alleged that law and order had collapsed in Punjab. On X, he said, “Law and order has completely collapsed in Punjab. The brazen murder of young Amit Sabharwal in Amritsar's Anand Avenue, shot five to six times, is spine-chilling.”

Targeting chief minister Bhagwant Mann, who also holds the Home portfolio, Bittu asked, “As the state's Home Minister, when will Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann take responsibility for this bloody game?” He demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and the harshest punishment, adding, “If citizens aren't safe even outside their own homes, it's a direct proof of the government's failure.”

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia also criticised the state government over the incident and called for stronger measures to ensure public safety.

• 

  Surjit Singh is a correspondent. He covers politics and agriculture, besides religious affairs and Indo-Pak border in Amritsar and Tarn Taran.