Ferozepur, Punjab — In a major development, Punjab Police has arrested the prime suspect in the murder of Naveen Arora, son of senior RSS leader Baldev Raj Arora, following an early-morning gunfight in Arif Ke village, officials said.
According to Ferozepur SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, a tip-off alerted police to the presence of Gursimran Singh (alias Jatin Kali) in the area. Officers set up a naka, but when they signalled a speeding motorcycle to stop, the rider allegedly opened fire. A chase ensued, and in the ensuing shootout, the suspect was wounded in the leg and taken into custody.
Police say the accused used a .32-bore pistol during the encounter. Investigators are now verifying whether it is the same weapon used in Arora’s killing.
This arrest comes days after two more suspects — Harsh and Kanav — were apprehended in connection with the murder. According to police, the conspiracy was allegedly hatched on 13 November at a birthday party in Basti Bhatian Wali, where Jatin Kali reportedly offered money to several associates to carry out the killing.
The motive for the murder remains unclear. While a pro-Khalistan group called Sher-e-Punjab Brigade has claimed responsibility, police caution that the claim is being independently verified.
The victim, Naveen Arora (32), ran a shop in Ferozepur’s Mochi Bazaar. He was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne gunmen near the Baba Noor Shah Wali dargah as he walked home from his shop. CCTV footage from nearby shops reportedly shows the assailants fleeing immediately after the attack.
Senior police officials described the killing as “meticulously planned.” Meanwhile, BJP leaders have strongly condemned the killing, accusing the AAP government in Punjab of failing to maintain law and order.
Punjab Police say that they are continuing their investigation — tracking the remaining accused and examining all possible angles, including links to extremist groups.
