Partner in crime turns killer, shoots two over dispute

Two men were shot dead by their associate while they were sleeping at a friend’s house near Lamba Pind Chowk here early this morning.

The victims, Shiv (24) of Mota Singh Nagar and Vinay Tiwari (22) of Basti Sheikh, were killed by their accomplice, Manna, a youth from Mitthapur, following a heated argument.

According to the police, all three men were wanted for a shooting incident in Mota Singh Nagar that took place just 20 days ago. The trio had allegedly fired at two youths, Karanveer Singh and Honey Chahal, injuring them severely.

A case had been registered at Police Station, Division Number-6, for attempted murder and the Arms Act and several other charges, after which they went into a hiding.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the three had an argument late on Friday night while they were staying at the house together. Manna, angry over the dispute, waited until Shiv and Vinay fell asleep before shooting them multiple times early in the morning. Seven to eight bullet shells were allegedly recovered from the crime scene.

Sources say that the incident was fuelled likely by an old rivalry between the victims and their previous targets in the Mota Singh Nagar shooting. Karanveer Singh, who was shot in the stomach and Honey Chahal, who suffered gunshot injuries in his leg and hand, had issues with the victims.

The city police, including teams from Rama Mandi police station and CIA staff, are investigating the case and have launched a manhunt for Manna. The bodies were sent for post-mortem and further proceedings in the case are underway.

Nirmal Singh, ACP Central, addressing the media confirmed that the incident occurred this morning. He said the altercation reportedly took place among three friends (the accused and two victims) following a late night altercation, after which Manna allegedly opened fire, resulting in the death of one person while second victim succumbed to injuries at the Civil Hospital.

He said an FIR had been registered against the accused at Rama Mandi police station and investigation was currently underway. "We are searching nearby areas and escape routes, suspecting that the accused has fled the city", said police officials.