Two shot at over old rivalry in Verka

Two youth were seriously injured after unidentified car-borne assailants opened fire at them in the Verka area on Thursday night, allegedly due to an old rivalry.

The Verka police have registered a case of attempt to murder against five accused, including Deepu and Akash of Luddar village.

According to information, three friends — Rohit, Rohan and Harmanjeet Singh — were travelling on a motorcycle from Verka towards the Verka bypass when the incident occurred. The accused, who were allegedly travelling in a car, chased the bike and opened fire at riders. Rohit and Rohan, suffered gunshot injuries. After carrying out the attack, the accused fled form the spot in their car.

Harmanjeet Singh, who was riding with the victims, informed their family members and managed to arrange an ambulance. Both injured youth were rushed to a private hospital for treatment.

Their family members alleged that Deepu, Kalu and Akash had an old rivalry with the victims. They said an argument had taken place between the two sides around a week ago, but the matter was settled at that time after intervention by locals.

However, victims’ kin claimed that Deepu had been planning to take revenge from Rohit and Rohan. On Thursday night, the accused reportedly followed the trio after spotting them heading towards the Verka bypass and opened fire at them. Doctors said that Rohan’s condition was critical.

The Verka police registered a case against five accused on the charge of attempt to murder and launched a search to arrest them.