Chandigarh: A 31-year-old property dealer was shot dead in a brazen daylight attack in Chandigarh on Wednesday, sending shockwaves across the city’s upscale Sector 9 market area.
The victim, identified as Charanpreet Singh, was attacked inside his SUV near a gym while leaving the premises after a workout.
Attack executed with precision
According to preliminary findings and CCTV footage, the murder was carried out with pre-planned precision. The attack took place around 12:30 pm outside a gym in Sector 9, a high-security zone located close to key government establishments.
Police said two helmeted assailants, who had allegedly been waiting for the victim, opened fire from both sides of the vehicle as it slowed while exiting a parking lot.
The attackers fired around a dozen rounds, leaving multiple bullet marks on the windshield. Despite the presence of heavy traffic and proximity to important offices such as the police headquarters and secretariat, the assailants managed to escape swiftly.
They reportedly fled on a motorcycle, driving against traffic to evade capture.
Victim succumbed to injuries
Charanpreet Singh, a resident of Kubaheri Khurd village in Mullanpur, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, abdomen, and arm.
Bystanders rushed him to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), where doctors declared him brought dead due to excessive blood loss.
His body has been shifted to the mortuary, and a post-mortem examination is awaited.
Gang claims responsibility
Hours after the incident, gangster Lucky Patial, associated with the Davinder Bambiha gang, claimed responsibility for the killing through a social media post.
The claim alleged that the victim was acting as an informer for rival gangs and had links to earlier criminal incidents, including a murder reported earlier this year in Mohali.
Police are verifying the authenticity of these claims as part of the ongoing investigation.
Possible gang rivalry angle
Investigators believe the killing may be linked to ongoing gang rivalries in the region. The incident comes just a day after another firing linked to the same gang network was reported near Panjab University.
Officials said the motorcycle used in the crime bore a fake number plate, indicating prior planning and intent to evade identification.
The accused are believed to have escaped towards the Landran area, and multiple police teams have been deployed to track them down.
Criminal background under probe
Police sources revealed that Charanpreet Singh had a criminal background and was named in at least five cases registered in Mohali, including charges related to attempt to murder and violations under the Arms Act.
His most recent case was registered in 2025. He had also been previously booked in cases involving assault, rioting, and other offences.
Authorities are also examining his alleged links to gang networks and possible involvement in illegal activities, including the drug trade.
Investigation underway
A case of murder has been registered at Sector 11 Police Station. Senior officials confirmed that multiple teams have been formed to identify and apprehend the accused.
Police are analysing CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and digital trails to reconstruct the sequence of events and establish the motive behind the killing.
Conclusion
The daylight shooting in a high-security zone has raised serious concerns about public safety and organised crime in Chandigarh. As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on dismantling gang networks and ensuring swift action against those responsible.
The incident underscores the growing challenge posed by gang-related violence in urban areas and the need for enhanced surveillance and preventive measures.