Money changer shot in Jalandhar

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, June 3

A foreign exchange dealer, Anil Kumar alias Billa (51) was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants in broad daylight in the heart of the city this morning when the police and paramilitary forces were holding a flag march barely 500 metres away. This is the second killing in the city in eight days.

A resident of Shaheed Udam Singh Nagar, Billa was owner of Surya Forex and Paul Garments. His brother had unsuccessfully fought the municipal elections. Billa was also being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) case. His firm was raided by ED officials in July last year.

Billa left for his shop in his Toyoto Fortuner (PB08 BW 8006) at 10.30 am. He was stopped by two youths, on a bike. Both were wearing helmets. An argument ensued. One of the assailants opened the car door, sat next to Billa and shot him. He was rushed to the local Civil Hospital where he was declared 'brought dead'. 

Meanwhile, the assailants fled. Police Commissioner Arpit Shukla said a bank guard, who witnessed the crime, saw Billa talking to the assailants. "After about 15 minutes, the conversation turned nasty and one of the assailants shot the dealer,” he said.