Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, May 16: In a shocking and tragic incident, a 40-year-old man was shot dead by unidentified assailants, in Basantpur area falling under jurisdiction of Lakhanpur Police Station of Kathua district late last night creating panic among local residents.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
The deceased has been identified as Roop Lal. According to initial reports, the victim was inside his residence when unknown assailants allegedly fired at him through the window of the house during Friday midnight. He sustained critical gunshot injuries and died on the spot before any medical assistance could be provided.
Click here to watch video
The incident caused shock in the locality and the neighbors of the victims rushed to the spot after hearing the gunfire shots. The area remained tense as police reached the scene and started investigation into the case.
A team from Jammu and Kashmir Police arrived immediately after receiving information. Senior officers visited the crime scene and took stock of the situation. The police have cordoned off the area and started collecting evidence from the spot.
Officials said statements of family members, neighbours and other local residents are being recorded to identify the accused and establish the motive behind the killing. Police was also examining all possible angles, including personal rivalry or any previous dispute.
The body has been taken for post-mortem examination and further legal proceedings are underway. Police have assured that all efforts are being made to trace the attackers and solve the case at the earliest.
The fear stricken residents of Basantpur and surrounding areas are in shock and panic. They have demanded strict action against those involved in the crime.
DySP Headquarters, Kathua, Ravinder Singh told Excelsior that one suspect has been identified by the police and it has launched manhunt to arrest him. He said after his interrogation, facts regarding the crime will come to light.
He said, as per initial reports, the personal rivalry has been the root cause of the murder. However, the facts will come to light only after the arrest of the suspect, he added.
The brother of deceased while talking to reporters said that Roop Singh was sleeping in his new house along with his family including wife and two sons. During late last night, some people fired from the window and disappeared.
He said “If a person is not safe in his house where else he can be’’?
He said the incident took place at around 11-45 pm last night. When asked whether he had any animosity with anyone, he said “There could be minor issues, but there was nothing like a major issue with anyone’’. He as well as other family members demanded justice and strict punishment for the culprits.
It may be recalled that this is the third murder in last 10 days in Kathua. Earlier in a double murder case, two brothers were killed on May 6 in Ward 10 Kathua by an assailant during the broad day-light sending shock waves in the town.
Meanwhile, senior BJP leader and former vice chairman District Development Council (DDC) Kathua, Raghunandan Singh Babloo while strongly condemning the murders urged the administration to take the cognisance of the same and ensure security of the common masses.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
