SP: Gang rivalry behind Una saloon murder

Una SP Amit Yadav on Friday confirmed that two accused arrested from Punjab have been found involved in the murder of Rakesh Kumar, alias Gaggi, a youth from Una, who was gunned down inside a hair saloon at Basal village on July 27.

The accused, identified as Rajiv Kaushal, brought from Ferozepur jail on production warrant, and Vipan Kumar from Hoshiarpur, admitted to the crime during interrogation. A lookout has been issued for a third accomplice. The SP said the murder was the fallout of an ongoing rivalry between criminal gangs.

According to Yadav, the case was particularly difficult to crack as the assailants left no physical evidence. They executed the killing on a stolen motorcycle, used mobile phones bought the same day with fake SIM cards, and concealed their identities with masks and helmets. After the shooting, they fired in the air while fleeing, creating panic in the area.

He said investigators relied heavily on cyber evidence to track calls linked to the accused. Close coordination between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab police played a decisive role in tracing their movements. The shooters, after committing the crime, crossed into Punjab on foot before being picked up by a waiting vehicle. Cooperation from Punjab police personnel and jail staff helped the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in making arrests.

The SP also flagged a disturbing trend of criminals flaunting firearms on social media to lure new recruits. He cautioned that even liking or sharing such posts could invite action for abetting criminal activity.

Yadav lauded the efforts of ASP Surinder Sharma, head of Una’s cyber security cell, and the SIT members.