Transport operator shot dead

Rupesh Sahlot, who also ran a transport business, was killed by two men on a motorcycle moments after he had opened his Rajnagar office at 9.30am, reports Peeyush Khandelwal.

A 35-year-old Ghaziabad transporter was shot dead at his office on Wednesday morning, police said.

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Rupesh Sahlot, who also ran a transport business, was killed by two men on a motorcycle moments after he had opened his Rajnagar office at 9.30am.

Sahlot’s friend Sandeep Kumar (40) was critically injured during the shooting spree.

The attackers reportedly fired nine rounds from an automatic weapon — five of which hit Sahlot in the abdomen — before they fled from the spot.

Two bullets hit Kumar, who was at a nearby shop. A Maruti Alto car carrying three persons provided cover to the killers, police said.

Sahlot succumbed to his injuries before he could reach the hospital. Kumar has been admitted to Yashoda hospital where his condition is stated to be critical, said a police officer.

Sahlot’s brother Sushil said Sahlot had no enemies but they suspect a land dispute could be the possible motive behind the killing.

SP (City) Vijay Bhushan said: “We are also looking into the land dispute matter. It is too early to say anything and the details will come out during the investigations.”

Incidents of murders have continued unabated in Ghaziabad. A property dealer, Manoj Kumar, was shot at late Tuesday night by unidentified persons.

On Monday, a manager of a Noida-based IT-company was found murdered near Indirapuram. Another person was also killed in Nandgram area on Monday.

A former BJP municipal councillor was shot dead last week by two unidentified motorcycle-borne men.