Two arrested for attempted murder of restaurant owner

The Jhajjar police arrested two youths on Tuesday in connection with an attempt to murder case involving a local restaurant owner, five days after the crime took place. The police also seized the motorbike and pistol used in the attack. According to reports, the attack stemmed from an argument between the victim, Sandeep Saini, and one of the accused, which occurred over a year ago.

Inspector Vivek Malik, in charge of CIA Jhajjar, confirmed that the arrested individuals were identified as Udham from Kheri Hoshdarpur village and Pardeep from Goyala Kalan village. Pardeep, who had been previously accused in more than six serious crimes including murder, robbery, attempt to murder and arms act violations. Pardeep was also convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a woman. However, he had been out on bail at the time of the attack.

The incident took place on the night of March 20, when Sandeep, the owner of Swastik Sweets and Restaurant, was driving home to Subhash Nagar in Jhajjar city. According to Malik, “Two unidentified youths on a motorbike approached him under the pretext of asking for directions to Rewari road. After providing directions through gestures, one of the assailants asked Sandeep to roll down his car window. Then he opened fire, injuring Sandeep in the arms as the bullet pierced through the window.”

The attackers quickly fled the scene, leaving Sandeep injured. A passer-by rushed him to the Civil Hospital for initial treatment and he was later referred to PGIMS Rohtak. At the time, Sandeep had no idea who his assailants were and did not suspect anyone, making the case a blind one for the police.

During the investigation, a joint team from the Jhajjar CIA and City Police Station analysed CCTV footage from the surrounding area to trace the assailants' escape route. The cyber cell's assistance led to the identification of the suspects and both Udham and Pardeep were arrested on Monday. “During the interrogation, both Udham and Pardeep confessed to their involvement in the crime,” Malik revealed.

The motive for the attack was traced back to a previous altercation in 2023, when Udham had visited Sandeep's restaurant with a friend to celebrate his birthday. After the dispute, Udham reached out to Pardeep seeking revenge. In response, Pardeep stole a motorbike and obtained a pistol to carry out the attack.

Baldev Singh, SHO of the City Police Station, explained that “Pardeep, who was riding pillion, opened fire on Sandeep from close range." Singh also noted that the motorbike used in the crime had been stolen from a liquor vendor at Raiya village and the conspiracy to attack Sandeep was hatched a day before the incident.