Lab technician shot dead by armed assailants

A lab technician in SR Government College for girls, identified as Ashutosh Mahajan (35), was shot dead by armed assailants on Batala Road here last night. He is the son of a restaurant owner and was killed outside the restaurant.

According to information, he was gunned down by two bike-borne individuals with covered faces. Immediately after the incident, they fled, while the victim was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared him dead.

The police authorities reached the spot and started investigations.

Police Commissioner, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, said that CCTV cameras on the road and in adjoining areas were being scanned to find clues about the perpetrators. The police have recorded the statements of the victim’s family, and his call details were also being analysed.

Hours after the incident, gangster Hari Boxer of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang took responsibility for the murder on a social media handle with the name Anmol Bishnoi. In the post, they claimed that Ashu Mahajan was an informant for the police and leaked information about the whereabouts of their accomplice, Nona Harike, and therefore he was taught a lesson.

However, the police said they were verifying the facts, and investigations were in progress.

Ramesh, an eyewitness, said that two people on a bike had arrived, one of whom came inside to procure water while the other remained outside on the bike.

Rattan, an employee of the restaurant, said that Ashu suffered around three gunshot wounds, while others hit the fridge and wall. Customers were also present in the restaurant.