Scribe shot at over ‘monetary dispute’

THREE PERSONS, INCLUDING VICTIM’S BROTHERINLAW, OPENED FIRE ON HIM WHEN HE CAME OUT AFTER ATTENDING A GYM SESSION

AMRITSAR : A journalist of a Punjabi newspaper was shot at by his brother-in-law and his two aides outside a local gym in Khasa, around 80km from Amritsar, on Thursday evening, police said.

As per sources, Mehtab Singh, who is also the principal of a private school, has sustained two bullet injuries in his leg.

Police, however, said status of his injuries will be confirmed after getting Mehtab’s medical report.

Assistant commissioner of police (ACP, west) Vishaljit Singh said three persons, including Mehtab’s brother-in-law Prabhjot Singh, opened fire on him when he came out after attending a gym session.

The accused had reportedly arrived in a Maruti Suzuki Swift and opened at least six rounds of fire on Mehtab before fleeing. The victim was rushed to a private hospital by few passersby.

The ACP, who along with deputy commissioner of police (DCP, investigation) Jagmohan Singh reached the spot, said preliminary investigation hinted at a monetary dispute between Mehtab and his brother-in-law.

“We are registering a case under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC and Sections 25-54-59 of the Arms Act against the accused,” he said.

“The accused are absconding, but we will arrest them soon,” the ACP added.

FAMILY’S HOPE STILL ALIVE

“I want my son back in any condition. Till government does not give us any formal intimation, I won’t belive that my son is dead. I appeal the state government to verify the truth,” his father said.