BJP Leader Survives Assassination Attempt in Punjab
Attempted Attack on BJP Leader
Photo: IANS
Gurdaspur, June 4: A senior leader from the BJP narrowly avoided a serious attack when two masked gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at his petrol station in Gurdaspur district, Punjab, as reported by officials on Thursday.
The shooting incident occurred late Wednesday night, raising alarms due to a recent pattern of assaults on BJP officials and their establishments in the region. Prior to the attack, there was an alleged extortion demand of ₹2 crore.
Vijay Kumar Soni, who leads the party's trade cell, was at his petrol pump in Bhagwanpur when the assailants targeted him. The attackers, with their faces concealed, seemed to have planned the assault in advance.
CCTV footage from the petrol station has emerged, capturing the entire event, showing the two men arriving on a motorcycle and opening fire.
In a quick response, Soni utilized his licensed revolver to return fire, which compelled the attackers to flee the scene.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and Soni remained unharmed due to his swift actions, according to officials.
Law enforcement arrived promptly after being alerted about the shooting and commenced an investigation. They examined the crime scene, gathered evidence, and began scrutinizing the CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators.
Authorities are also looking into the motives behind the attack, particularly the reported extortion threat that preceded it. All possible angles are being explored as efforts to track down those responsible continue.
This incident has once again highlighted the troubling trend of violence against BJP leaders and their offices in Punjab.
In recent months, there have been numerous incidents involving shootings, vandalism, and threats, raising serious concerns about security in the state.
The BJP has consistently criticized the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for its inability to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of political figures.
On May 11, a group of around 20 masked individuals reportedly attacked a BJP district office, vandalizing it, throwing ink at local leaders, and pelting stones. The assailants also fired shots into the air while escaping, shouting slogans against the party.
Similar acts of vandalism targeting BJP offices have been reported in Zirakpur, Ludhiana, and Balachaur during this timeframe.
In another alarming incident in April, a crude bomb or grenade-like device was allegedly thrown outside the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh.