Man shot dead near Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar

Amritsar: A man was shot dead in a crowded marketplace near Sri Darbar Sahib on Tuesday evening, police said. The victim, identified as Ravneet Singh alias Sonu Mota, was attacked by unidentified assailants at Kathianwala market, a narrow and congested area known for heavy foot traffic.

Eyewitnesses reported that gunshots were fired from both sides of the street, leaving Ravneet Singh critically injured. He later succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

ADCP Vishaljit Singh said the accused has been identified as Abhiraj Singh, who is currently absconding. “Efforts are underway to arrest him,” he said, adding that forensic teams have been deployed to the site and a case has been registered.

According to police, two persons riding an Activa scooter were targeted by the shooters. Singh, who had multiple criminal cases against him, was reportedly returning from Sri Darbar Sahib when he was surrounded and shot in the narrow lane.

Locals described the scene as chaotic. A shopkeeper near the incident said he fled inside his shop to save his life as bullets rang out. “The bullet could have hit anyone,” he said.

Abhiraj Singh, the key suspect, is the son of former councillor Gurdeep Singh, who was shot dead some time ago. Police are probing the possibility of rivalry and revenge as a motive behind the attack.