Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Lucky Oberoi was shot dead on the morning of 6 February 2026 outside a gurdwara in the upscale Model Town locality of Jalandhar, Punjab, in a brazen daylight attack that has shocked the city.
According to Punjab Police, Oberoi was inside his Mahindra Thar vehicle after offering prayers when unidentified assailants on a two-wheeler opened fire at close range. He sustained multiple bullet injuries and was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where he was declared dead.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the area. Political leaders across party lines have condemned the killing, with opposition voices raising concerns over deteriorating law and order. As of now, no arrests have been made and the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Deadly Attack in Broad Daylight
The killing took place in one of Jalandhar’s most prominent and busy neighbourhoods, sending shockwaves through the local community. Police officials confirmed that the incident occurred shortly after Oberoi stepped out of the gurdwara premises following his routine visit. Eyewitness accounts suggest that two unidentified men arrived on a motorcycle and fired several rounds at him before fleeing the spot.
The entire episode unfolded within minutes, leaving bystanders terrified and confused. Local residents reported hearing multiple gunshots echoing through the area. Some rushed to help while others immediately informed the police. Oberoi was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but doctors were unable to save him due to the severity of his injuries.
Senior police officers reached the crime scene soon after the incident. Speaking to the media, a police spokesperson stated that preliminary investigations indicate a targeted attack. “We are analysing CCTV footage from nearby shops and traffic cameras to identify the attackers. Forensic teams have collected evidence, and multiple teams have been formed to trace the culprits,” the official said.
Local AAP leaders expressed grief and disbelief at the incident. Party colleagues described Oberoi as an active political worker who maintained cordial relations across communities. Rajwinder Thiara, AAP’s Jalandhar Cantt in-charge, said Oberoi was a familiar face in the area and regularly visited the gurdwara. “This is a shocking and tragic loss for us. He was a dedicated party worker and a kind human being,” Thiara told reporters.
Rising Concerns Over Security in Punjab
The murder has reignited concerns over the safety of public figures and ordinary citizens in Punjab. Over the past few years, the state has witnessed sporadic incidents of gang violence, targeted killings, and organised crime. Oberoi’s assassination in a crowded urban locality has added to anxieties about whether enough is being done to curb such violence.
Opposition leaders were quick to criticise the state government over the incident. Punjab Assembly Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa questioned how armed attackers could strike in broad daylight and escape without being apprehended. “If political workers are not safe, what message does this send to common people?” he asked, calling for stronger policing and accountability.
Other political parties also demanded swift action. Many pointed out that the killing took place outside a religious place, which should ideally be among the safest spaces in any city. Community leaders and civil society groups echoed similar concerns, urging authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police have maintained that the investigation is being pursued seriously. Officials said they are exploring all possible angles, including personal rivalry, business disputes, and political motives. Additional security has been deployed in the Model Town area to reassure residents and prevent any untoward incidents.
The incident has also led to an outpouring of grief on social media, where residents of Jalandhar expressed fear and anger over the attack. Many demanded stricter gun control measures and more visible policing in crowded public spaces.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The brutal killing of Lucky Oberoi is not just an attack on an individual; it is an assault on the very idea of a peaceful and democratic society. When violence erupts outside a place of worship, it strikes at the core of what communities hold sacred safety, faith, and mutual respect. Such incidents create an atmosphere of fear that affects far more than those directly involved.
At The Logical Indian, we believe that no grievance, rivalry, or political difference can ever justify the taking of a human life. Disagreements are inevitable in a democracy, but they must be addressed through dialogue, lawful processes, and empathy not through guns and intimidation. The normalisation of violence only pushes society further away from the values of coexistence and harmony.
