Jalandhar AAP leader murder: Gangster Joga Pholriwal claims responsibility for killing of Lucky Oberoi

PTC Web Desk: In a major development in the Jalandhar murder case, gangster Joga  Pholriwal has claimed responsibility for the killing of AAP leader Lucky Oberoi, who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in the city’s Model Town area early Friday morning.

In a post circulated on social media (PTC does not take responsibility, though),  Pholriwal began with a religious salutation and stated that he alone was responsible for the murder, asserting that the killing was carried out due to personal enmity. He rejected claims linking the incident to political rivalry, alleging that Oberoi was being falsely projected as a political leader.

The post accused Oberoi of being involved in drug trafficking and claimed that evidence of his alleged activities was in their possession. Pholriwal further alleged that the murder was linked to disputes related to the presidency of Khalsa College, and claimed that Oberoi had maintained close ties with the police to shield his alleged illegal activities and harm rivals.

He also issued a warning in the post, stating that anyone speaking for or against him would be “answered in due course,” while claiming that the killing was justified. The police have not yet verified the authenticity of the post.

Lucky Oberoi was shot dead at around 8 am on Friday outside a gurdwara in the posh Model Town locality. According to police and eyewitness accounts, Oberoi had just paid obeisance at the gurdwara and was sitting inside his Thar vehicle, putting on his shoes, when he was attacked.

A sewadar at the gurdwara said that Oberoi was a regular visitor who came every morning. “He had just sat in his vehicle when youths riding an Activa opened fire,” the sewadar said.

At the time of the incident, two religious programmes were underway at the gurdwara, including Anand Karaj ceremony. The initial gunshots were mistaken for firecrackers associated with the wedding, witnesses said. Panic ensued after it became clear that gunfire had occurred.

Oberoi sustained four bullet injuries, including wounds to the chest and head. He was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Lucky Oberoi was a financier by profession and was associated with the Aam Aadmi Party. His wife, Simarjot Kaur, had unsuccessfully contested the municipal councillor elections from the area on an AAP ticket in December 2024.

Police officials said investigations are underway and all angles, including the social media claim of responsibility, are being examined. No arrests have been made so far.