Panic gripped the Kishanpura Chowk area of Jalandhar on Friday after two unidentified bike-borne assailants allegedly opened fire at the BMS Fashion showroom in broad daylight.
According to preliminary information, the attackers arrived from the Kishanpura side and fired shots at the showroom around 3:21 PM before fleeing towards Hoshiarpur Road. The bullets struck the glass frontage of the store, causing damage but no injuries were reported. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, showing the suspects firing from a moving motorcycle before escaping.
Police teams rushed to the spot after receiving information about the firing. Senior officers, including the ADCP, inspected the scene and launched an investigation. A spent cartridge casing was recovered from the spot, while CCTV footage from nearby locations is being examined to identify the accused.
The incident reportedly occurred a day after the showroom owners allegedly received an extortion call demanding ₹50 lakh. According to family members, the callers threatened severe consequences if the money was not paid.
Showroom owner Rohit Verma and his brother Lakshya Verma, residents of Santokhpura, run the popular clothing outlet. The family stated that a complaint regarding the threat call had already been submitted to the police and the Police Commissioner on Thursday.
The situation escalated further after the firing, when the alleged extortionists reportedly contacted Rohit Verma again and claimed responsibility for the attack. According to the family, the caller allegedly said, “You have seen our trial. Bring as many police officers as you want, pay ₹50 lakh or we will attack again.”
The showroom is known among local shoppers and has also been visited by Punjabi entertainment personalities, making the incident a matter of significant concern in the city.
Police officials have stated that all angles, including extortion and organized criminal involvement, are being investigated. Further action will be taken based on evidence collected from the scene and CCTV footage.
