Even as the Sonepat police remained clueless more than 24 hours after the brazen killing of a jeweller at a bustling market at Sonepat town, on Friday, they announced a cash reward of R1 lakh for anyone giving information about the assailant.
The shopkeepers, who were terrified after the shocking incident, met superintendent of police Arun Singh Nehra on Friday and demanded immediate arrest of the accused. They were especially concerned over the manner in which the jeweller was shot in chest at his shop in broad daylight. They also demanded proper security arrangements for the business community.
Rajinder Pal (50) was shot dead by a customer, who visited his shop around noon on Thursday. The assailant fled on a motorcycle being driven by another man, who came with him. The police have so far taken the possession of a countrymade pistol, which the accused left behind while fleeing the spot.
The entire incident was caught on the CCTV camera installed in the shop. Talking to HT, Sonepat deputy superintendent of police Balbir Singh said, "It is not a case of robbery, as the accused did not take along anything from the shop, but police are analysing the case from all angles."
On the motive behind the incident, he said, "The family have not come out with any complaint regarding threat to the life of the jeweller in the past, but we are working with them to find out the real reason behind the lethal attack."
{{/usCountry}}On the motive behind the incident, he said, "The family have not come out with any complaint regarding threat to the life of the jeweller in the past, but we are working with them to find out the real reason behind the lethal attack."
{{/usCountry}}Sources, however, said since it was not a robbery case, the police are exploring the angle of extortion or contract killing.
The identity of the informer, who tips off regarding the assailant, would be kept secret. Five teams of police are looking for the accused in different directions, police added.