The victim, Laddi Khan of Bundri village, was travelling with his friend Manpreet Singh who managed to escape unhurt. A 29-year-old man was killed in Punjab’s Ludhiana after assailants opened fire at his car on Friday night.
On being informed, the police reached the spot and initiated an investigation. The police suspected an old rivalry behind the killing. Khan was travelling in Hyundai i20 car with Singh when their vehicle was allegedly intercepted by another car, believed to be a Hyundai Verna, on the Khanjarwal-Majri road.
The SHO said both the victim and some of the suspects have criminal records, and an old rivalry between the groups is being examined as a possible reason for the attack. However, police said no gangster link has been established so far, and investigators are examining all possible angles to ascertain the motive behind the killing.
The SHO added that the Police are reconstructing the movements of Khan and the suspects before the shooting and questioning people familiar with the two groups.
The i20 then went out of control after the shooting and rammed into a roadside pole. An FIR has been registered and multiple police teams have been deployed to track down the accused. Investigators are scanning CCTV footage from the crime spot and adjoining roads to trace the route of the suspected Verna used in the attack and identify its occupants. Forensic and technical teams examined the scene and collected evidence, including bullet marks and other material. The CIA staff and Anti-Gangster Squad have also joined the probe.
The attackers rained bullets at the i20, shooting Khan in his chest and shoulder, according to police. Dakha SHO Inspector Nirmaljit Singh said police have identified two suspects as Harpreet Happy and Arshdeep Singh, both residents of Majri, while the identities of three other suspects are yet to be established.
