Man fired at after court hearing, another hurt near Mini-Secretariat

Panic gripped Sector 12 here on Wednesday afternoon after two bike-borne miscreants opened fire on a man who had just attended a court hearing.

Another person also sustained injuries in the gunfire.

The injured have been identified as Harpreet, aka Happy, a resident of Gharaunda, and Gurvinder of Panipat.

After attending his court hearing, Harpreet was standing near a ‘fruit-chaat’ vendor close to the Mini-Secretariat and court premises when the assailants — one of whom was wearing a helmet — fired around four rounds at him before fleeing the scene, the police said.

Harpreet sustained two bullet wounds, while Gurvinder, who was also standing near the vendor, was hit by one bullet. Both were rushed to the hospital, where they received treatment.

They are said to be out of danger.The assailants’ target was Harpreet, but Gurvinder, who had no connection with him, was also injured.

The motive behind the attack is yet to be determined. After firing the shots, the assailants fled through an open ground towards the highway.

DSP Rajiv Kumar, SHO, Civil Lines, along with a forensic science laboratory (FSL) team, reached the spot and recovered bullet shells.

The police are now scanning CCTV camera footage from nearby areas and questioning street vendors and witnesses to gather crucial leads.“We are investigating the case from all angles,” said the DSP.

Superintendent of Police Ganga Ram Punia said the victim’s family had provided the names of four suspects, and the police were verifying the facts.

“We have registered an attempt to murder case, and an investigation is under way,” said the SP, adding that four FIRs had previously been registered against Harpreet in Karnal — including for murder, assault and cheating.