Ex-sarpanch shot outside Jhajjar court

Tribune News Service

Jhajjar, March 22

A former sarpanch was shot dead by two assailants outside the court premises here today. The assailants tried to flee after committing the crime, but were overpowered by the police.

The deceased has been identified as Rajeev alias Kala (40) of Aasoda village in Bahadurgarh subdivision of the district. Old enmity is believed to be the reason behind the murder. The police registered a case of murder against the accused, identified as Rohit alias Deepak of Najafgarh and Sikandar alias Rohit of Bapdola (Delhi).

Sources said Kala was brought here from Ambala jail to appear before a court in connection with the killing of Aasoda Siwan sarpanch Rambir (30) and his father Balbir Singh (57) in their house on July 28 last year. Rajeev was a co-accused in the case.

“The crime was committed at noon when police personnel were taking Kala back to the police van parked outside the court campus after hearing of the case. The accused armed with country-made guns fired at him from a close range and fled the spot. One bullet hit Kala and he fell down,” said Jhajjar DSP Rajeev Kumar.

The DSP said that a team of CIA of the police acted swiftly and nabbed the accused when they were running towards the main road after committing the crime.

In the meantime, Kala was also rushed to Civil Hospital from where he was referred to PGIMS, Rohtak, and he was declared brought dead there.

“The accused in their thirties are being grilled to find out the exact cause behind the murder and all others involved in the crime,” said the DSP, adding that Kala was a co-accused in the Aasoda sarpanch murder case.

A police spokesman said that two country-made guns and five cartridges had been recovered from the accused.