2 weeks Ago By Payal Dhawan
Ludhiana: Investigations into the attack on the owner of Sindhi Bakers , Naveen Gangwani , who was shot at by two masked assailants inside his Rajguru Nagar shop on Wednesday evening, are inconclusive on the motive. Both the shooters, who have been arrested, said that gangster Gopi Lohariya directed them to shoot Gangwani. However, police said that the reason behind the attack was still unknown as the victim had not received an extortion call.
Investigation so far has not found the rivalry angle. However, police are exploring the possibility of the involvement of an acquaintance. Preliminary investigations suggested that a property dispute may have been a factor.
On Wednesday, Naveen Gangwani was at his shop in Rajguru Nagar when a masked man barged in and tried to shoot him but could not as his gun stalled. He returned with another masked man after about half an hour and fired two shots at Naveen. The victim suffered a bullet injury on the neck.
Before taking the shot, the assailant confirmed Naveen’s identity with one of the workers in the shop. Naveen, who is admitted in a private hospital in Ludhiana, is still critical. The family may soon shift him to Delhi for further treatment.
Both the shooters, Jagmeet Singh, alias Meeta, and Vikas Kumar, alias Kasa of Moga district, were arrested hours after the incident after a brief exchange of fire. During the cross-firing, Jagmeet suffered a bullet injury on his leg and Vikas was injured after falling off his bike. Moga senior superintendent of police (SSP) Ankur Gupta said that Vikas had been discharged from the hospital and was in police custody, while Jagmeet is still undergoing treatment at the hospital.
The two have named Davinderpal Singh, alias Gopi Lahoriya as the main conspirator. On this, SSP Gupta said, “This is still being verified.” A team of Ludhiana police also reached Moga and talked to both the shooters unofficially.
“The shooters claim that they shot Naveen on the directions of Gopi Lahoriya, who is said to be in Canada. However, there are missing links in the case. Police have confirmed that Naveen did not receive any extortion call from Gopi or anyone else.
Moreover, the shooters did not try to rob Naveen and directly fired at him with murderous intent. It is still a mystery why Naveen was targeted,” an official said. Both the shooters, who have been arrested, said that gangster Gopi Lohariya directed them to shoot Gangwani.
However, police said that the reason behind the attack was still unknown as the victim had not received an extortion call. Meanwhile, the case triggered a political slugfest, with the Congress accusing the AAP government of failing to maintan law and order in Punjab. Wife of MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring also met the police commissioner and expressed concern about the state of affairs.
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