A 42-year-old employee of Bank of America was targeted in a shooting incident outside his residence in Laxman Vihar, Gurgaon, on Wednesday evening. Although the bullet did not strike him, the gunpowder from the discharge caused burns to one of his eyes, according to police officials.
Incident Details
Rajat Rastogi had just returned from work and was stepping out of his car near his house on street number 4 at approximately 6 pm when the assailant, who appeared to have been lying in wait, approached him from behind on foot and opened fire. The bullet struck a nearby wall, prompting the shooter to abandon the weapon—a country-made pistol—at the scene and flee.
Residents who heard Rastogi's screams alerted the police control room. Personnel from the Sector 9-A police station, Sector 4 police post, and local crime branch teams promptly arrived at the location. Rastogi was initially taken to Kalyani Hospital in Sector 14 and later referred to the civil hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Investigation and Evidence
CCTV footage from the vicinity captured a well-built man wearing a white printed T-shirt, believed to be the suspect. Police have also recovered the pistol used in the attack.
Rastogi informed the authorities that he has no known enemies. His cousin Deepak stated that neither Rajat nor his wife, who works with TCS, had any disputes with anyone. "We are all shocked," he said.
Investigators, however, believe the attack was premeditated. "It does not appear to be a case of robbery. Prima facie, the shooter had a personal grudge. The motive and the source of the weapon will be established once he is arrested," a senior officer remarked.
Police are questioning family members and neighbors. A case under the Arms Act is likely to be registered. Sub-inspector Narvir, in-charge of the Sector 4 police post, confirmed that the bullet hit the wall and only one round was fired.
