In the aftermath of the high-profile murder of a prominent businessman in Punjab's Abohar, two suspects who allegedly aided the gunmen responsible for the crime were killed in a police encounter. The deceased businessman, Sanjay Verma, was fatally shot outside his shop on Monday, sparking outrage and raising concerns about law and order in the border state.

Within 24 hours of the murder, police apprehended Jaspreet Singh and Ram Rattan in connection to the case. However, according to police reports, the two suspects were killed in a shootout that occurred while they were being taken to recover weapons and clothing allegedly discarded after the crime. The incident took place outside Abohar, in the Panj Peer Tibba area.

According to the police, during the recovery operation, three unidentified gunmen ambushed the police team in an attempt to free Jaspreet Singh and Ram Rattan. In the ensuing exchange of fire, both suspects were killed, and a senior police constable sustained injuries and was admitted to a local hospital. A .30 bore pistol and empty cartridges were recovered from the scene.

Authorities have registered a separate case including murder charges and violations of the Arms Act regarding the encounter. An inquiry will be conducted.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the assailants who murdered Sanjay Verma were part of a larger group of five individuals. Three of them arrived on a motorcycle and directly carried out the shooting, while the other two were in a car and assisted in the escape. Police sources indicate that the two suspects killed in the encounter had provided weapons to the shooters. The mastermind behind the attack is believed to be a criminal named Arzoo Bishnoi.

The murder of Sanjay Verma, who co-owned the "New Wear Well Gents Tailor" showroom and was known as Punjab's 'Kurta Pajama King', sent shockwaves through the community. Prior to his death, Verma had not reported any threats to his family or the police.

The Special Director General of Police (Law and Order), Arpit Shukla, stated that multiple police teams are working in coordination to trace the remaining culprits and assured that arrests are imminent. The police are utilizing both technical and human intelligence to expedite the investigation.

The incident has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who are questioning the Punjab government's ability to maintain law and order. The incident follows similar attacks in other parts of Punjab, adding to the concerns.