Two men from the same family died during treatment after armed men travelling in a black SUV allegedly opened fire on four people sitting outside a shop in Punjab's Moga. Two others were injured in the shooting in the Angadpura neighbourhood, which triggered panic in the area.
The deceased have been identified as Gagan Jindal, 30, and Sahil Jindal, 40. All four victims sustained bullet injuries and were taken to hospital, where two later died. Three of the injured were initially reported to be in critical condition.
According to preliminary information, one victim was shot in the head, two in the abdomen and another in the arm.
POLICE SUSPECT OLD RIVALRY
Preliminary information suggests that an old rivalry between two groups may have led to the shooting. However, the motive has not been established, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Moga senior police officer Sartaj Singh Chahal said a police team reached the spot after receiving information about the firing. He said the victims' family had named some people, and police were recording statements before deciding on further legal action.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from cameras installed around the scene. A forensic team has also been called in to collect evidence. Police said the investigation was ongoing.
OPPOSITION TARGETS AAP GOVERNMENT
The shooting drew criticism from opposition leaders, who questioned the law and order situation in Punjab.
BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa condemned the incident, saying two people had died and others were fighting for their lives. He accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to curb gangster activity and questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal over the state's security situation.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu also criticised the state government over the firing, raising concerns about public safety.
The identities of those who allegedly carried out the attack and the precise motive remain to be established through the police investigation.
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