Ferozepur, July 8 -- Three armed assailants shot dead a businessman outside his showroom in Abohar town of Fazilka district on Monday. Police said Sanjay Verma, 54, owner of a textile firm, had just stepped out of his Hyundai i20 car in the morning when the assailants approached him on foot and opened fire. Verma was rushed to a nearby hospital by shocked employees, but he succumbed to the injuries soon after. The attackers fired 8 to 10 rounds as four bullets had hit the car's windshield and four cartridges were found outside the vehicle, said police officials. Verma had received an extortion call recently, it is learnt. "A case has been registered against Shakti of Azamgarh village in Abohar of Fazilka, besides two unidentified persons under BNS sections 103 (punishment for murder) and 3(5) (criminal act done by several persons in furtherance of a common intention), and 25 and 27 of the arms Act," said Fazilka SSP Gurmeet Singh. The police recovered an abandoned motorcycle from a narrow lane near the government hospital, which is suspected to have been used by the attackers. The police are now working to identify and apprehend the culprits based on CCTV footage and other forensic evidence. Several suspects have been taken into custody for questioning. The incident triggered outrage in the local business community. Local trade association president Suresh Satiija and businessman Anil Nagauri, along with prominent traders, visited the site and condemned the brutal act. The Opposition hit out at the AAP-ruled government in the state over the "deteriorating law and order situation." State BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, who is a former Abohar MLA, posted on X: "The broad daylight murder in Abohar is yet another eerie reminder that Punjab's law and order has totally collapsed." Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said: "Law and order in Punjab has plummeted to its lowest point. Businessmen and professionals, including doctors, artists and athletes, are facing grave threats from extortionists." Abohar traders demanded increased police presence and swift justice for the victim's family. "We have strong leads and crucial evidence in hand and are confident of solving the case soon," said Ferozepur DIG Harmanbir Singh Gil, adding that the law-and-order situation is under control. RELATED REPORTS ON P2...