In a major development in the Abohar businessman Sanjay Verma murder case, the Fazilka Police, in coordination with the Counter Intelligence Wing, arrested two more suspects — Priyanjal Sharma and Anshuman Tiwari — from Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, July 17.
According to Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Mukhtiar Rai, Sharma and Tiwari played a direct role in facilitating the escape of the shooters who gunned down Verma in broad daylight on July 7. The duo allegedly handed over Rs1.3 lakh in cash to the assailants immediately after the crime and arranged their escape logistics.
They have been remanded to two-day police custody as investigators gather more evidence about their exact involvement and possible links to the larger network.
So far, seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder. Among them were Ram Rattan and Jaspreet Singh alias Jassu, who were killed in a police encounter on July 8. However, the prime shooters and the alleged mastermind, Shakti, remain absconding.
Earlier, police had arrested Indrapal Bishnoi, Sandeep Khichad, and Pawan Khichad from Bikaner, Rajasthan, for allegedly providing shelter to the shooters. Investigations have revealed Rs1.4 lakh in foreign remittances to their accounts, indicating a potential international link to the contract-style killing.
Authorities used a mix of technical surveillance and field intelligence to track Sharma and Tiwari to Madhya Pradesh. Crucial CCTV footage also placed Ram Rattan and Jaspreet Singh at a hotel in Malout and later at a grocery store, confirming their movements post-murder.
The families of Ram Rattan and Jaspreet Singh have accused the police of foul play and demanded a CBI inquiry into the encounter. A protest led by Jaspreet’s family resulted in a memorandum submitted to the SDM seeking justice. Meanwhile, SSP Gurmeet Singh has confirmed a judicial inquiry is underway.
The investigation continues, with hunt for Shakti and the shooters still active.
