Chandigarh: The masked men who entered a Sector 11 chemist store and brutally shot Janki Das did so in cold blood as part of a premeditated contract killing plot, investigations revealed. Police stated that the brazen June 13 murder was meticulously planned, with the shooters provided precise details about the shop, Das's identity, daily routine, and seating location.
Mastermind Arrested
The alleged mastermind, Amit Kumar alias Sharabi, was arrested from Samba district in Jammu and Kashmir. Police produced him in a local court and obtained a seven-day police remand for interrogation.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that Amit allegedly gave main shooter Sunny Mehra detailed information about the victim, including that he sat at the cash counter, wore glasses, and his physical build.
Detailed Planning
Das's routine was carefully monitored, and the shooters were dispatched after noon. Das's duty began after 2 pm, and the accused allegedly had complete information about his working hours.
CCTV footage shows Sunny Mehra and Amit entering the shop, where customers were present. They stood in front of Das for some time before shooting him with a hail of bullets, then fled to their waiting accomplice.
Police suspect Sunny was the main shooter, as tattoos on his neck and arm were clearly visible in the CCTV footage.
Victim's Background
Das had been associated with the medicine business for a long time and worked as a cashier at another medical establishment in Sector 11 for nearly 15 years. In 2025, he changed jobs and started working at Shri Kumar Medical Hall around 1.5 years ago.
Police are examining aspects linked to his old and current workplaces, ascertaining whether he was involved in any business dispute, personal enmity, or economic interest connected to the murder.
Weapon Recovery
Accused Amit revealed before Jammu police that he dumped the Turkish-made Zigana pistol used for the murder at Sector 43 bus stand. Police will bring Amit to Sector 43 bus stand to recover the pistol.
Murder That Rocked the City
- Janki Das was shot dead inside a chemist store in Chandigarh's Sector 11 on June 13.
- The attack took place in broad daylight while customers were present in the shop.
- Two masked men entered the store, identified the victim, and opened fire.
- The assailants fled immediately after the shooting.
Initial Evidence Collected
- Police obtained CCTV footage from the medical store and surrounding areas.
- The footage captured the suspects entering the shop, targeting Das, and escaping after the attack.
Contract Killing Suspicion
- Early investigation suggested that the murder was not spontaneous but carefully planned.
- Police started probing the possibility of a hired killing after discovering that the attackers appeared to know the victim's routine.
Identification of Suspects
- CCTV footage helped police identify key suspects, including Sunny Mehra.
- Distinct tattoos visible in the footage became an important clue.
