Shopkeeper shot dead in Makhu

Ferozepur: Two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly shot dead a shopkeeper in Makhu town of Ferozepur district on Monday, triggering panic among the traders and residents.Immediately after the incident, the entire Makhu town observed a total bandh to protest the killing.The deceased, Gurcharan Singh Gaba, was the owner of a general store in the main market of Makhu. He was sitting inside his shop when the assailants opened fire, hitting him multiple times before fleeing the scene.Nearby shopkeepers rushed the injured trader to a nearby hospital, but he could not be saved.On receiving the information about the incident, Bhupinder Singh, the senior superintendent of police, Ferozepur, along with other senior officers, reached the spot. Police teams have started scrutinising CCTV footage from the area and collecting forensic and eyewitness evidence to establish the motive behind the murder.Speaking to the media, SSP Singh said although no clear motive had emerged, investigators had gathered leads in the case. "We have obtained important clues and are working on multiple angles. The accused will be identified and arrested shortly," he said.The SSP said further investigations were underway, and additional details were expected to emerge in the coming days.Condemning the killing, former Congress MLA from Zira, Kulbir Singh Zira, alleged that law and order in the state had deteriorated and criminal elements were operating without any fear.He demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits and strict action to restore public confidence.MSID:: 131444326 413 |