Full Breakdown
Amit Sabharwal Murder Highlights Rising Violence in Amritsar
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident: Fatal Shooting Over Scooter Parking Dispute
On October 24, a 27-year-old marketing professional, Amit Sabharwal, was shot dead outside his home in the Anand Avenue neighbourhood of Amritsar, Punjab. According to the victim’s father, Sunil Sabharwal, Amit had parked his Honda Activa scooter in the lane when three local residents—identified by police as brothers Abhi Shah, Sunny Shah and Ritik Shah (also reported as Hritik Shah)—asked him to move it. An argument ensued, after which Abhi Shah allegedly drew a country-made pistol and fired five to six rounds. The victim was hit multiple times, including in the head and torso, and died while being taken to a private hospital. The Gate Hakima police station has registered a murder case and is conducting raids while reviewing CCTV footage from the area.
Background & Context: Spike in Targeted Killings
The Sabharwal killing follows a series of high-profile shootings in Punjab during October. Barely three weeks earlier, Madhusudan “Mad” Sandhu, a 29-year-old queer makeup artist and social-media influencer, was shot dead on October 3 in broad daylight on Loharka Road, Amritsar. The same month saw the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa and the hacking-related killing of Bikramjit Singh in Batala. These incidents have intensified public outrage and political debate over law-and-order conditions in the state.
Data & Statistics
- Rounds fired: five to six (reported by multiple outlets).
- Injuries: sources differ—some describe two head wounds, one waist and one leg wound; others note four bullets striking the head and abdomen.
- Age of victim: reported as 27 in some accounts and 28 in others.
Official Statements & Responses
- Baljinder Singh, Station House Officer, said police received the father’s report late at night, are scanning nearby CCTV footage, and have launched raids to locate the three suspects.
- J S Goraya, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, confirmed senior officers arrived at the scene after the shooting was reported and are overseeing the investigation.
Criticism & Opposition
Political figures from the opposition have framed the murder as evidence of systemic failure. Majithia’s remarks link the Sabharwal case to a broader pattern of “goon rule” and allege that the state government is preoccupied with national-level politics rather than local security. Bittu’s statements similarly press the state administration for “exemplary punishment” of the perpetrators.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Age discrepancy: NDTV and Hindustan Times list Amit Sabharwal as 27, while ANI and IndiaTimes describe him as 28.
- Injury details: NDTV cites two head wounds, one waist and one leg wound; ANI and IndiaTimes report four bullets striking the head and abdomen.
- Brother’s name spelling: The third accused appears as “Ritik Shah” in some reports and “Hritik Shah” in others.
These inconsistencies have not been resolved by the ongoing investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bodies riddled with bullets are falling across Punjab at all hours, while Home Minister Guru Dokhi @BhagwantMann remains intoxicated by deep sleep!” — Bikram Singh Majithia
What’s Next
Police have announced that raids are underway and that they will continue to examine CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the three brothers. No arrest date has been provided, and the investigation remains open.