Birthday bash turns fatal as 2 friends shot dead in scuffle over cake-smearing in Amritsar

The incident took around 6.45 pm when at least two dozen young men, all in their 20s, were celebrating the birthday of one Tarunpreet Singh at a hotel on the Majitha road, said police.

A birthday party turned fatal when two friends were shot dead by a guest during a scuffle over cake-smearing at a hotel here on Wednesday.

Police have also collected the footage of the closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed in and outside the hotel. Preliminary probe has suggested no rivalry between the victims and the accused (Getty Images)

The deceased have been identified as Munish Sharma and Vikram Singh of Amritsar while the accused, Money Dhillon, belongs to the Sultanwind area, police said. He is on the run.

The incident took around 6.45 pm when at least two dozen young men, all in their 20s, were celebrating the birthday of one Tarunpreet Singh at a hotel on the Majitha road, said police.

“According to the hotel staff, a scuffle ensued among the guests over smearing of the cake. Minutes later, Money Dhillon opened fire from his pistol. Around 5 rounds were fired and the bullets hit Munish and Vikram. While Munish died on the spot, Vikram was declared dead at a private hospital,” said additional deputy commissioner of police (city-2) Sandeep Malik.

He said they have confiscated two cars and rounded up five persons who were present at the party. A case under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code will be registered against the accused, he added.

Police have also collected the footage of the closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed in and outside the hotel. Preliminary probe has suggested no rivalry between the victims and the accused, said Malik, adding that search teams have been formed to nab the accused. “We are also checking his background and criminal record, if any,” he added.