In a chilling incident that has sparked outrage across the national capital, a 52-year-old businessman, Sunil Jain, was fatally shot during his routine morning walk in Shahdara, East Delhi, on Saturday. The attack has left the community shaken, and political tensions have risen as questions about Delhi’s safety continue to mount.
The Fatal Attack On Sunil Jain
Sunil Jain, a well-known utensil businessman and a resident of Shahdara, was returning home from his morning walk at the Yamuna Sports Complex when the horrific crime occurred. According to police officials, Jain was on his scooter when two bike-borne assailants intercepted him in the Farsh Bazar area.
“Sunil Jain was shot multiple times by unidentified men who fled the scene immediately after the attack. Jain was rushed to the nearest hospital but succumbed to his injuries,” a senior police officer stated.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as shocking and brazen. The attackers reportedly fired six to seven rounds at the businessman in broad daylight before speeding away.
Police Launch Investigation To Track Down Suspects
The Delhi Police have formed special teams to investigate the incident and apprehend the perpetrators. Initial reports suggest that the attack was premeditated, but the motive remains unclear.
“We are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and speaking to witnesses to identify the suspects and their escape route. All possible angles, including personal enmity or business rivalry, are being explored,” a police official said.
The authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to bring the culprits to justice.
AAP Leaders Blame Central Government
The murder of Sunil Jain has escalated into a political row, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government over the state of law and order in Delhi.
Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP national convenor and former Chief Minister of Delhi, took to social media to express his frustration. “Amit Shah Ji has ruined Delhi. The city has become lawless under him. The BJP is failing to control criminal activities. People should rise collectively and raise their voices,” Kejriwal wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Saurabh Bharadwaj, a senior AAP leader and Delhi minister, echoed similar sentiments, describing Delhi as a “crime capital” in a social media post. Bharadwaj claimed that the assailants fired multiple rounds at Jain and criticized the central government for failing to ensure public safety.
Law And Order Under Scrutiny
Delhi, as a Union territory, has its police force reporting directly to the Ministry of Home Affairs, headed by Amit Shah. This administrative setup has been a point of contention between the AAP-led Delhi government and the BJP-led central government, with the former often accusing the latter of failing to manage the city’s safety.
The murder of Sunil Jain is expected to intensify this debate, especially as Delhi prepares for assembly elections in February. AAP has signaled its intention to make law and order a key electoral issue, aiming to capitalize on public dissatisfaction over incidents like this.
Rising Crime Raises Public Concerns
This incident is the latest in a series of violent crimes in Delhi that have left residents worried about their safety. Shahdara, once considered a relatively peaceful area, has seen a surge in criminal activities, including thefts and assaults.
“The situation is getting out of hand. If a businessman cannot safely go for a morning walk, what hope do we have for our safety? The authorities must take strong action,” said a local resident.
Community members have called for increased police patrolling and stricter measures to deter such crimes.
Political Fallout Expected In Upcoming Elections
With assembly elections around the corner, the murder of Sunil Jain is likely to have significant political ramifications. The AAP has already positioned itself as a critic of the BJP’s governance in Delhi, particularly on issues related to public safety.
Political analysts believe that incidents like this could sway voter sentiment, especially in areas where law and order are a major concern. The BJP, on the other hand, is expected to focus on its development initiatives and infrastructure projects in Delhi to counter AAP’s narrative.
Sunil Jain’s Family Mourns Tragic Loss
As the political storm brews, Sunil Jain’s family and friends are left grappling with their tragic loss. Jain was described as a hardworking businessman and a kind-hearted individual who was loved by all in his community.
“Sunil was a devoted husband and father. He was a simple man who worked hard to provide for his family. This tragedy has shattered us,” said a close family member.
Jain’s funeral arrangements are underway, and his family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Police Urged To Act Swiftly
Community leaders and civic organizations have urged the police to expedite their investigation and ensure that the culprits are caught. The incident has also prompted calls for better safety measures, including more CCTV installations and increased police visibility in vulnerable areas.
The tragic death of Sunil Jain is a grim reminder of the challenges facing Delhi in terms of public safety. As residents demand action and political parties gear up for electoral battles, the hope remains that justice will be served and steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.