Gangster shot by rival in Jalandhar

Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, January 22

A gangster was shot by a rival in broad daylight in Jalandhar, sources said on Sunday, amid heightened security in the city for Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s visit.

Witnesses said the victim, Pancham, was sitting in his car when two men from a rival gang — Gursharan 'Bhalu' and one other person — stopped by on a motorcycle and knocked on the door. They shot him thrice as soon as he stepped out,wounding him critically, the witnesses said.

Sources claim that the victim was believed to have been associated with a Congress candidate in the Assembly elections and was helping him, while Bhalu was associated with a rival BJP candidate.  

The victim’s family has accused the BJP leader of having a hand in the shooting.  

The incident comes at a time when both police and paramilitary forces are stationed in the city for Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s visit.

Jaitley was in the city to release BJP’s manifesto.

The police have registered a case under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act.