RSS Volunteer Murder Triggers Political Storm in Punjab
The killing of a 32-year-old RSS volunteer in Ferozepur has plunged Punjab into a political crisis, with opposition parties questioning the AAP government's ability to maintain law and order. The incident comes amid growing Sangh presence in the state and the BJP's emergence as a separate political entity.
Naveen Arora, who ran a small shop in Ferozepur's main bazaar, was murdered on November 15. The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly since Arora belonged to a family with deep RSS roots spanning three generations.
Threats Expand to Shiv Sena Leaders
As police struggle to make headway in the investigation, the crisis has widened with three Shiv Sena leaders reporting identical threat calls. Sanjeev Ghanoli and Sachin Ghanoli received calls from a man identifying himself as Baghel Singh, claiming to represent the little-known Sher-E-Punjab Brigade.
The caller, using a UK-based number, threatened that the Shiv Sena leaders were "next" in line. On Tuesday, Ludhiana-based Shiv Sena leader Rajiv Tandon filed a similar complaint about receiving an identical threat from the same outfit.
The Sher-E-Punjab Brigade, which has pledged support to Khalistan, has claimed responsibility for Arora's killing, though the group was previously unknown to security agencies.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, who attended Arora's prayer meeting on Tuesday, accused the state government of failing to prevent "targeted killings" that he claimed were "in a clear bid to destroy communal harmony."
BJP state working president Ashwani Kumar Sharma escalated the criticism, alleging that "gang wars and murders have reached record levels" during the past three-and-a-half years of AAP rule. He directly blamed the state government for failing to manage the deteriorating situation.
Ferozepur BJP chief Sarabjeet Singh Bath expressed shock at "the audacity of unknown groups claiming responsibility" for such attacks, highlighting the growing concern among right-wing organizations.
RSS Response and Continued Activities
Despite the attack, RSS leaders who attended Arora's cremation on Sunday indicated the organization remains determined to continue its activities. RSS kshetriya prachark Pramod Kumar and prant pracharak Narinder Kumar acknowledged the Sangh was shaken but not deterred.
"Our daily shakhas continue, and we are busy observing the centenary year of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji," a senior pracharak stated, underscoring the organization's commitment to maintaining its presence in Punjab.
Opposition Parties Unite in Criticism
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from across the political spectrum. Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal described the situation as "jungle raj" in Punjab, warning that "peace and communal harmony are in serious danger."
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring echoed these concerns, stating that "nobody is safe in Punjab today" and lamenting that "killings have been normalized in Punjab under the AAP regime."
In a contrasting view, AAP MLA Ranbir Singh Bhullar, who represents Ferozepur city, suggested that Arora's killing "seems to be part of some conspiracy to spoil the city's atmosphere."
Pattern of Attacks on Right-Wing Leaders
The recent killing fits into a disturbing pattern of attacks on right-wing Hindu leaders in Punjab. The state has witnessed a significant increase in RSS shakhas, growing from approximately 600-700 to over 900 in recent years, coinciding with a string of violent incidents.
In November 2022, Shiv Sena (Taksali) leader Sudhir Suri was shot dead in Amritsar. The accused, Sandeep Singh, remains in jail, but his brother recently contested the Tarn Taran bypoll on a Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) ticket, finishing third.
More recently, in April 2024, VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar (alias Vikas Bagga) was shot dead near Nangal in Rupnagar district. In July 2024, Shiv Sena (Punjab) leader Sandeep Thapar ('Gora') survived a sword attack by assailants dressed as Nihang Sikhs in Ludhiana.
The violence continued in March 2025 when Mangat Rai 'Manga', the Moga district president of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, was shot dead by three assailants who later posted a confession video online.
The series of attacks and the latest killing occur against the backdrop of the BJP establishing itself as a separate political force in Punjab, having ended its long-standing alliance with the Akali Dal following the 2020 farmers' agitation.
