Panipat liquor trader killed; family protests at hospital

A liquor contractor was allegedly stabbed to death in Hari Nagar colony of the Kachha Camp area here on Sunday evening after he opposed the illegal sale of liquor in the locality.

The deceased has been identified as Charanjeet, a resident of Hari Nagar. He owned a liquor shop in partnership with Ishar Singh and Fateh Singh.

In her complaint to the Old Industrial Area police, Jyoti, wife of the deceased, alleged that Sachin, Monti and their associates murdered her husband. The police have registered a case and begun an investigation.

According to police sources, the accused were carrying liquor on a scooter when Charanjeet confronted them. A heated argument followed, during which they allegedly attacked him with a sharp-edged weapon. He was rushed to the Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

On Monday morning, Charanjeet’s family members and several locals gathered at the Civil Hospital, refusing to allow the post-mortem until the accused were arrested. Following information, the police reached the hospital and tried to pacify the protesters, who remained adamant.

DSP (Headquarters) Satish Vats, who reached the spot, assured the family of prompt action. “Prima facie, it appears that Charanjeet owned two liquor shops and was opposing illegal liquor sales in the area. Meanwhile, the accused murdered him,” the DSP said. “Three police teams have been constituted to nab the accused,” he added.