Extortion Attempt in Hoshiarpur Village: Gunshots Fired at Property Dealer's House
Panic spread in a Hoshiarpur village in New Chandigarh after unidentified assailants opened fire at the residence of a property dealer late on Wednesday night. The incident is suspected to be an attempt to intimidate the victim over an extortion demand.
Police Confirm Extortion Link and Launch Investigation
Confirming the incident, Mohali SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans stated, "The victim approached police claiming that gunshots were fired at his house following an extortion call of Rs one crore. We are examining the CCTV footage and the identity of the assailants. The investigation is handed over to the crime branch." The attack targeted the house of Vikram Singh, a property dealer who also operates an office in Majra village.
Details of the Late-Night Attack
According to police information, the incident occurred around 11 pm when two masked attackers arrived on a motorcycle. They fired multiple rounds at the residence before escaping swiftly. Authorities reported that approximately seven rounds were discharged during the assault.
During the preliminary investigation, forensic teams recovered four spent cartridges from outside the house, one from a pillar at the main gate, and two from inside the premises. Initial findings strongly suggest that a .32-bore pistol was used in the shooting.
Eyewitness Account and Background of Threats
A local resident, Kaka Khan, recounted that he initially mistook the gunshots for motorcycle backfire. He only realized the gravity of the situation after commotion increased in the street following the violent episode.
Police sources indicated that the victim had allegedly been receiving threatening calls from international numbers over the past few days. The calls demanded Rs 1 crore as extortion money. Investigators suspect the firing may have been carried out to create fear after the demand was not met or reported to authorities.
Comprehensive Police Response and Ongoing Probe
Senior officials of Mohali Police reached the spot soon after the incident. Teams from the CIA staff and the State Forensic Science Laboratory also examined the scene meticulously and collected crucial evidence.
Police have initiated a detailed probe that includes analysis of CCTV footage from nearby areas, tracing of the threatening calls, and examination of voice samples. Investigators are also retrieving mobile tower dump data from the time of the incident to identify the accused individuals.
A case has been registered against unidentified persons under relevant sections of the Arms Act at Mullanpur police station. Police officials emphasized that efforts are underway to identify and arrest the attackers at the earliest possible opportunity.
