Unidentified assailants opened indiscriminate fire at a local grain market in Hoshiarpur around 3pm on Saturday, killing one person and seriously injuring two others, police said.
The deceased was identified as Manpreet Singh of Saidon Patti village, who had been released from jail on bail about a month ago. According to police, the attackers targeted Manpreet, who was present at the market with two aides. He died on the spot, while the injured were initially taken to the civil hospital and later shifted to a private facility.
Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Sandeep Kumar Malik said the police had gathered vital clues about the perpetrators and were working to collect further evidence.
The SSP said Manpreet was involved in at least nine criminal cases, including one related to an attempt to murder. The two injured men also have criminal records, he added. “Apparently, it is a case of group rivalry. We are gathering evidence,” Malik said.
Meanwhile, some individuals have claimed collective responsibility for the killing in an unverified social media post. Tinder Dhadiala, USA Kings group, Veeru Bhathe and Sonu Rormzaria claimed that Manpreet was killed to avenge the murder of their associate Billa, whom they alleged had been eliminated at Manpreet’s behest.
Police are investigating the claims and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.