(MOREPIC1)(MOREPIC2) Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur
The Ferozepur police have arrested two of the five men allegedly involved in the murder of Naveen Arora, son of local RSS leader Baldev Raj Arora, while the search continues for the remaining three accused still on the run. The arrested individuals have been identified as Harsh and Kanav, both belonging to Basti Bhatian in the city area.
Sharing details during a press briefing, SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu revealed that the other three accused include Jatin Kali of Badhni Jaimal Singh village, who had recently been residing with his maternal grandparents in Basti Bhatian, along with Badal of the same locality and another person whose identity has been withheld for security reasons.
The SSP said that the conspiracy to murder Naveen was primarily driven by Jatin Kali, who had promised money to the others to carry out the crime. The accused trio had reportedly travelled to Uttar Pradesh to procure the weapon used in the killing. The plan was finalized on November 13 at Kanav’s residence, where the group had gathered for Kanav’s birthday celebration. After conducting a detailed recce of Naveen’s movements, the team executed the murder, with Badal and one other accused firing the shots while Harsh and Kanav stayed in the background to provide support.
Following the incident, auto-rickshaw driver Jatin dropped the group at the bus stand, and they later dispersed after briefly taking shelter at Kanav’s and Jatin’s homes.The SSP said that while personal enmity appears to be one of the motives, the possibility of someone influencing or using the accused has not been ruled out. He added that all the accused were from the same neighbourhood and worked in small local establishments. With nine police teams and intelligence units deployed, the authorities said they were close to apprehending the remaining suspects.
Sidhu further stated that preliminary investigation into the viral letter issued under the name of the “Sher-e-Punjab Brigade” suggests it is fake, though all angles continue to be probed.
Naveen Arora, 34, was shot dead from point-blank range on November 15 by two assailants, triggering widespread concern in the area.