ABOHAR, Punjab, December 11 — Tension gripped Abohar on Thursday after a youth was shot dead in the parking area of the Fazilka district court complex by three gunmen, police said. The victim, Akash, also known as Golu Pandit, was attending a hearing under the Arms Act.
Fazilka SSP Gurmeet Singh said the assailants opened fire from a car, hitting Akash with six bullets. “The accused have been identified and will be arrested soon,” he said, linking the killing to a gang rivalry in the area.
Eyewitness Sonu, who accompanied the victim, recounted, “He had just walked towards his car when the attackers fired. He collapsed instantly. It all happened within seconds.”
The shooting, occurring near courtrooms and government offices, caused panic as people sought cover. Police arrived quickly to secure the area, review CCTV footage, and question potential suspects.
The attack comes a day after a flag march led by the SP (detective) aimed at reassuring citizens of law and order. Lawyers criticised the security lapse, noting the court complex’s regular high footfall. Police warned of strict action to prevent further escalation in local gang rivalries, recalling earlier incidents, including the killing of Sahilpreet Singh outside Fazilka district court on April 23.
