In a shocking incident, a youth Rishabh, alias Badshah, was killed and his friend Ishu Kumar was seriously injured in a shooting that took place on Sunday night near Khingra Gate here.

As per information, assailant Sahil Kapoor, alias Manu Kapoor Dhillon, opened fire following a dispute over gambling money between two groups. The conflict allegedly erupted during a gambling session on Diwali night. Both groups met on Sunday night to settle the dispute, but it turned violent, resulting in firing of five rounds.

Rishabh, a resident of Ali Mohalla, was hit in the stomach and succumbed to his injuries at Johal Hospital in Rama Mandi. His friend, Ishu Kumar, a resident of Basti Bhurekhan, sustained critical injuries and remains under medical care.

The deceased was initially rushed to Satyam Hospital, transferred to NHS Hospital and finally to Johal Hospital, where his condition deteriorated and was declared dead.

The incident, meanwhile, had sparked anger among the victim’s family, who, immediately after Rishabh was declared dead, gathered outside Johal Hospital and blocked the Rama Mandi Road in protest, demanding the arrest of the accused.

A heated exchange also ensued between grieving family members and the police as emotions ran high.

Senior officials, including CP Swapan Sharma, reached the spot last night to pacify the family members and assured them of the arrest of all those responsible. It was only after police informed the family that they had apprehended those responsible, the family lifted the protest.

Addressing the media, DCP, Headquarters, Aditya confirmed that following the incident, the police had lodged an FIR under Sections 103(1), 109, 190, 191(3) of the BNS and 25/27-54-59 of the Arms Act at PS Division 3 Jalandhar.

DCP Aditya said during investigation, the police had booked Sahil Kapoor, alias Mannu Kapoor Dhillu, Saajan Sahota, Manav, Nannu Kapoor, Doctor Kohli, Chakshit Randhawa, Gaggi, Kaka and some unknown persons. He said the main accused Sahil Kapoor had been arrested with one countrymade pistol and two empty shells, adding that five criminal cases were already pending against the accused.

He further said raids were being conducted to nab the other culprits too.

When asked about the reason behind the firing, DCP Aditya said preliminary investigation suggested that some money matter was the reason behind it, but the true story could only be known once the investigation progressed and others involved in the case were arrested.