Lab technician shot dead in restaurant

A lab technician at SR Government College for Girls was shot dead by armed assailants on Batala road area here last night. Identified as Ashutosh Mahajan (35), the son of a restaurant owner, he was gunned down when he was sitting in the restaurant.

According to information received, Ashutosh Mahajan was gunned down by two bike-borne persons, one of whom entered the restaurant and sprinkled bullets at him, leaving him critically wounded. Immediately after the incident, they fled while the victim was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Ironically, the residence of Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar is located just 200 meters from the crime scene. The police reached the spot and started investigations. Dr Sheetal Singh, Assistant Commissioner of Police, said that CCTV cameras on the road and in adjoining areas were being scanned to find clues about the perpetrators of the crime. The police have recorded the statements of the victim’s family. His call details were also being analysed.

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

However, the police said they were verifying facts and that investigations were in progress. “Everything would be clear once the two shooters are arrested,” said the ACP while adding that the shooter who killed him was wearing a black T-shirt and cap. Police have recovered six bullet shells from the spot.

Ramesh, an eyewitness, said that two persons had come on a bike one of whom came inside on the pretext of fetching water while the other remained outside on the bike. Rattan, an employee of the restaurant, said that Mahajan was shot thrice while the other bullets hit the fridge and wall. The incident caused panic as customers were also present in the restaurant when the incident took place.