In a significant development in the murder case of RSS volunteer Naveen Arora, Punjab police have made two arrests while the main accused and the murder weapon remain untraced. The investigation continues to unfold in Ferozepur district where the shocking incident occurred on November 15.
Arrests Made in Planned Murder
Police authorities confirmed the arrest of two suspects identified as Kannav and Harsh, both residents of Basti Bhattian in Ferozepur. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, the duo were part of a larger group that meticulously planned the murder during a gathering at Kannav's residence on November 13.
The gathering, organized to celebrate Kannav's birthday, served as the planning ground for the crime. Attendees included Jatin Kali, Badal, Harsh, Kannav and a fifth accomplice whose identity police have declined to reveal. During this meeting, the final blueprint for Arora's murder was established.
Execution and Investigation Details
On November 15, the execution day, the group divided into two teams for the operation. One team comprised Harsh and Kannav, while the other included Badal and his associate. Both teams had been conducting reconnaissance of Arora's daily routine since November 13, studying his movements and patterns.
SSP Sidhu identified Jatin Kali as the main conspirator who allegedly offered Rs 1 lakh to Badal and his accomplice to carry out the killing. However, the police have maintained that the motive behind the murder remains unclear despite identifying the primary planner.
The shooter, Badal, was identified through CCTV footage analysis, leading police to pick up his family members for questioning on Sunday. Kali hails from Badh Jaimal Singh village in Ferozepur, adding a local dimension to the crime.
Weapon Source and Political Fallout
Investigators have uncovered that the weapon used in the murder was procured from Uttar Pradesh, though the firearm remains unrecovered. This interstate connection has added complexity to the investigation as authorities work to trace the weapon's journey and users.
The murder has sent shockwaves through the region's trader community and political circles. Sarabjeet Singh Bath, BJP Ferozepur district president, expressed bewilderment at the circumstances, noting that all accused come from poor families with no criminal history. Even Kali has no previous police cases registered against him.
In response to the killing, RSS volunteers and BJP leaders submitted memorandums to deputy commissioners across all 22 districts of Punjab on Wednesday, demanding immediate arrest of all accused involved in the case.
Police are also examining a claim of responsibility from the lesser-known Sher-E-Punjab Brigade, a terror-linked outfit, though investigators suspect this might be an attempt to mislead the probe. Current efforts focus on tracing Kali, Badal, his accomplice, and recovering the murder weapon as the investigation continues to develop.
Naveen Arora, 32, was the son of senior RSS leader Baldev Raj Arora and operated a dupatta shop in the main bazaar. The tragic incident occurred when two motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire near the Baba Noor Shah Wali dargah while he was walking home. A bullet struck him in the head, and despite being rushed to a private hospital, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
