GURUGRAM, April 16 — A dhaba operator was allegedly shot dead in Pataudi around midnight on Tuesday, in what police described as a retaliatory killing stemming from a 2020 murder. The victim, Jitender alias Monu of Jatoli village, was reportedly targeted due to an old rivalry, police said.
According to investigators, the incident occurred while Jitender and his associate Mahender were working at the dhaba. A group of assailants arrived at the scene and one of them opened fire, killing Jitender on the spot. Mahender was also attacked when he tried to intervene.
Following the murder, the victim’s family members and local residents blocked the road at Jatoli Mod to protest the killing. A police team reached the site and managed to calm the protesters after assuring them that the suspects would be arrested soon.
An FIR has been registered at Pataudi police station based on a complaint filed by the victim’s brother, Rohit. The case names five accused — Ritik, Amit, Rohit, Jai Bhagwan, and Vikas — all residents of Jatoli.
A Gurugram police spokesperson said the motive behind the attack was revenge. “In 2020, Inderjeet, the uncle of accused Ritik and Amit, was murdered. The deceased’s brother Rohit was arrested and jailed in connection with that crime. To avenge Inderjeet’s murder, the accused targeted Jitender,” the spokesperson said.
Raids are currently underway to apprehend the suspects, police added.
