2 motorcycle-borne assailants open fire at shopkeeper in Mansa; investigation underway

Two motorcycle-borne assailants created panic in the city after opening fire at a shopkeeper and later brandishing a pistol at people in another locality.

The incident took place on Tuesday when two men on a motorcycle reached Gurdwara Chowk and fired three shots at Satish Kumar “Neetu”, owner of Guru Shakti Trading Company, a pesticide shop. One bullet hit the shop’s glass window while two struck the ground. Following the firing, the assailants fled from the spot.

A few minutes later, the same attackers reached Bhagat Singh Chowk, where their motorcycle reportedly brushed past a woman pedestrian, causing them to fall. When locals rushed to help, the men pointed their pistol at them and fired two shots at the ground before escaping.

On receiving the information, SP (H) Manmohan Singh, DSP Manjit Singh, and SHO City-1 Jaspreet Singh reached the scene but were unable to trace the culprits. Police have begun checking CCTV footage installed around Bhagat Singh Chowk to identify the accused.

Due to the firing incident, the Mansa Trade Association, along with all business, religious, and social organiSations, has announced a complete shutdown on Wednesday.

Satish Kumar said he had no idea who the attackers were or why they fired at his shop. “I don’t know them at all. It was a narrow escape — the incident could have turned tragic,” he said.

Speaking over the phone, Manik Goyal said, “The shop of my uncle, Satish Kumar, a pesticides dealer, is located close to the City-I police station. Two masked men came on a motorcycle and opened fire, shattering the glass outside the shop. One of them was wearing a turban. While fleeing, the assailants hit a scooter and also fired one or two more shots there. The incident took place around 4.15 pm, but the police have so far not been unable to trace them. This incident has exposed the law and order situation.”

He added, “We have not yet received any threat or extortion call.”

Meanwhile, Mansa City 1 SHO Jaspreet Singh said the police have launched a probe into the matter. “A motorcycle used in the crime and a mobile phone have been recovered. CCTV footage from the nearby area is being examined, and police checkpoints have been set up to trace the assailants,” he said.