Chandigarh: Supects identified, say police; CRPF men deployed in Sector 11 market day after chemist’s cashier shot dead

Chandigarh: Suspects Identified, CRPF Stationed at Sector 11 Market

Chandigarh has been at the center of a violent incident following the fatal shooting of Janki Das, a 45-year-old cashier at Shri Kumar Medical Hall 1 (SCO 14), by two masked attackers. Authorities have confirmed the identification of three suspects involved in the attack, which occurred just days after the victim was targeted. The police and CRPF have since intensified their operations in the region, with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed in Sector 11 market to bolster security. This move comes as part of a broader effort to address rising concerns about safety in the city.

Timeline of the Attack and Suspects' Movements

The incident unfolded when the suspects, believed to be from a region near Amritsar, approached the medical shop and opened fire. After the attack, they fled the scene on a motorcycle with a fake registration plate bearing a Tarn Taran number. The vehicle was abandoned near the Sector 3 police station, a location close to the Haryana chief minister’s residence and MLA hostels. CCTV footage captured their escape, showing them transition to an autorickshaw and heading to Kajheri village in Sector 52. There, they spent approximately 1.5 hours before changing clothes at a local barber’s shop and boarding a bus to Punjab.

Law enforcement officials have been analyzing the suspect’s route through multiple checkpoints, raising questions about the efficiency of security coordination. The movement from Sector 3 to Sector 52 highlights potential vulnerabilities in the city’s surveillance network. Despite the swift response, the identity of the suspects has not yet been fully disclosed, though the police have shared that they are actively tracking the trio. The discovery of the motorcycle and its connection to the suspects’ escape has become a key piece of evidence in the investigation.

Investigation and Motive Behind the Shooting

An audio clip attributed to gangster Goldy Dhillon has emerged, linking the attack to a feud involving the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and disputes over business calls. A Facebook page associated with the gangster has also claimed responsibility for the incident, though authorities are still verifying its authenticity. The suspects’ deliberate targeting of Janki Das suggests a premeditated act, as they reportedly visited two nearby shops before focusing on her. This detail underscores the growing tension between local businesses and criminal groups in Chandigarh.

Senior Superintendent of Police Sumer Pratap Singh has emphasized that the motive behind the shooting will become clearer once the accused are apprehended. However, the police are also considering the possibility of mistaken identity, as the attackers’ actions indicate they were well-prepared. The postmortem report, conducted at the Government Multi Specialty Hospital (GMSH) in Sector 16 on Sunday, is still pending, but initial findings suggest that 12 bullets were fired. One struck the cashier’s shoulder, while the rest penetrated her body, leaving the exact number of injuries under review.

Residents of Chandigarh have expressed shock and concern over the incident, with many calling for stricter security measures in commercial areas. The Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, a local business association, has organized a meeting to demand improved safety protocols for shopkeepers. Meanwhile, the Union Territory administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, has convened a session with senior police officials to address the situation and review the city’s security infrastructure. The deployment of the CRPF in Sector 11 market is a strategic response to the heightened risk of similar attacks.

As the investigation continues, authorities are examining the role of the fake registration plate in tracing the suspects. The motorcycle’s location near the Sector 3 police station has drawn attention to the proximity of key landmarks to the crime scene. Police are also reviewing the actions of the autorickshaw driver, who claimed unawareness of the attack. The presence of the Facebook page and its alleged connection to Goldy Dhillon adds another layer to the case, with experts noting the growing influence of digital platforms in criminal activities. These factors are being analyzed to build a comprehensive case against the accused.

Chandigarh’s security forces are working closely with local law enforcement to ensure the suspects are caught. The CRPF’s checkpoints in Sector 11 market have been a focal point for monitoring activity, with officials stating that the presence of the force aims to deter potential threats. The incident has also sparked discussions about the need for a more robust security framework in the city, particularly in areas frequented by businesses. While the exact motive remains under investigation, the coordinated nature of the attack points to organized crime, prompting authorities to reassess their strategies in Chandigarh.