According to officials, the incident occurred around 7:15 am when Oberoi, the AAP in-charge of the Jalandhar Cantonment Assembly constituency, was returning to his Thar SUV after paying obeisance at the Model Town gurdwara, which he reportedly visited daily. As he sat inside the vehicle, the attackers arrived on a scooter and opened indiscriminate fire, shattering the car’s windows.
Oberoi sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and face and collapsed inside the vehicle. Family members and local residents rushed him to a private hospital in Model Town, where doctors declared him dead. He was later taken to another hospital for confirmation, where his death was again confirmed.
Senior police officers reached the spot shortly after receiving information and cordoned off the area. ADCP Jayant Pari said CCTV footage from the gurdwara premises and surrounding streets was being examined to identify the attackers and trace their escape route. Checkpoints have been alerted across the district, and multiple teams have been formed to conduct raids.
“The entire area has been sealed. We are analysing CCTV footage and collecting forensic evidence. All possible angles are being investigated,” the officer said.
Preliminary investigation has not yet established the motive behind the killing. Police said there was no immediate information suggesting personal enmity, and Oberoi was not known to have received any recent threats. Further details are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.
Lucky Oberoi was a known political figure in Jalandhar and played an active role in local party affairs. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, his mother, and two brothers. His wife has previously contested municipal elections, police sources said.
The killing triggered sharp political reactions. Shiromani Akali Dal councillor Kuldeep Oberoi termed the incident a “complete failure of governance” and alleged that criminal elements were operating with impunity. He demanded stricter measures to prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from influencing politics and called for swift justice.
Police said security has been tightened in sensitive areas of the city as the investigation continues. The incident has once again highlighted concerns over targeted violence and law and order in urban Punjab.
