AAP worker Lucky Oberoi was killed in a daylight shooting outside a Jalandhar gurudwara, sparking political outrage and law-and-order debate
New Delhi: Punjab witnessed a shocking act of violence on Friday morning, February 6, 2026, when Aam Aadmi Party leader Lucky Oberoi was shot dead in broad daylight outside a gurudwara in Jalandhar’s Model Town area. The incident occurred as Oberoi arrived near the place of worship, which he was known to visit regularly.
Eyewitnesses said unidentified gunmen suddenly opened fire while Oberoi was seated inside his car. Several bullets were fired at close range, with reports suggesting that at least five rounds hit him. Within seconds, the attackers fled the scene, leaving panic and fear behind.
Succumbs To Injuries
Soon after the attack, Oberoi was rushed to a nearby private hospital, including Fortis Hospital, as party workers and locals tried to save his life. However, due to critical gunshot wounds, doctors declared him dead shortly after his arrival.
The killing sent shockwaves across Jalandhar, particularly because it took place outside a religious site in a busy and upscale locality. Residents expressed disbelief that such a brutal crime could happen so openly in daylight.
Gunmen Still Absconding
Following the murder, Punjab Police cordoned off the area and launched a major search operation. Investigators recovered empty bullet shells, recorded eyewitness statements, and began scanning CCTV footage from nearby shops, roads, and buildings to trace the attackers.
Despite these efforts, the assailants remain at large. Police officials confirmed that multiple teams are working on the case, but no arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
Who Was Lucky Oberoi
Lucky Oberoi was a local AAP functionary with an active presence in Jalandhar’s political circles. While he did not hold a senior state-level position, he was well known among party workers and residents in the area.
Reports also noted that his wife had earlier contested municipal elections on an AAP ticket, though she did not win. Since Oberoi followed a fixed daily routine of visiting the gurudwara, investigators suspect the attackers may have tracked his movements, pointing towards a planned and targeted attack.
Police Probe In Progress
Punjab Police have launched a detailed investigation to determine the motive behind the killing. Officials said they are exploring all possible angles, including political rivalry, personal enmity, and criminal links.
Investigators are also examining the type of weapon used, the number of attackers involved, and whether Oberoi had received any prior threats. So far, police have not shared any confirmed leads.
AAP Mourns Loss
The murder triggered shock and grief within the Aam Aadmi Party. Party leaders condemned the killing and demanded strict and swift action against those responsible.
AAP leaders appealed for calm and accused opposition parties of politicising a tragic incident. While Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann did not issue an immediate detailed statement, party sources said the government is closely monitoring the situation and has assured a thorough probe.
Sukhbir Badal Attacks AAP Govt
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal launched a scathing attack on the AAP government, citing the murder as proof of worsening law and order in Punjab.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Badal wrote that Punjab was “bleeding under AAP’s ‘zero fear’ government” and claimed that even AAP leaders were no longer safe under their own rule. Referring directly to the incident, he said the daylight murder of Lucky Oberoi outside a gurudwara in Jalandhar exposed the reality of governance in the state.
Badal also alleged that nearly 25 murders took place in January 2026 alone, with killings reported in courts, busy markets, wedding venues, and even outside gurudwaras. He questioned the Punjab Police’s much-publicised “war on gangsters” and accused the government of pushing the state towards anarchy, stating that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann did not deserve to remain in office even for a day.
Opposition Steps Up Pressure
The Congress and BJP echoed similar criticism, accusing the AAP government of failing to control crime. Congress leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, described the situation as a complete breakdown of law and order, questioning whether ordinary citizens or political workers were safe anymore.
Opposition parties claimed that repeated incidents of shootings and targeted killings had emboldened criminals and weakened public trust in policing.
Law And Order Debate Intensifies
The killing of Lucky Oberoi has once again brought Punjab’s law-and-order situation into sharp focus. In recent months, the state has witnessed several violent crimes, fuelling opposition allegations of rising gang activity and poor enforcement.
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While the AAP government maintains that it is cracking down on criminal networks, critics argue that high-profile murders like this expose serious gaps in intelligence and policing.
Public Fear And Demand For Justice
Residents of Jalandhar, especially in Model Town, expressed fear and anger after the incident. Many said the murder near a gurudwara in daylight had shaken their sense of safety.
Social media platforms were flooded with condolence messages for Oberoi’s family, along with demands for a fast, transparent investigation and strict punishment for the attackers.
What Comes Next
As police continue their investigation, the murder of Lucky Oberoi is expected to have serious political and social repercussions in Punjab. Beyond personal tragedy, the case has intensified debate over governance, crime control, and public safety.
The coming days will be crucial as authorities work to arrest the culprits and uncover the motive behind the killing—steps many believe are essential to restoring public confidence and ensuring justice.
