Chandigarh: Three friends were allegedly run over by an SUV in Haryana's Panipat district on Wednesday night, in what their families have termed a premeditated murder triggered by tip-offs against illegal mining.
Narendra Gahlayan (46), a property dealer, Vinod (48), and Anip (36), all residents of Panipat, were standing by the roadside on the Dikadla-Aata road in the Samalkha area around 9 pm when a black Scorpio rammed into them. Narendra and Anip died on the spot, while Vinod succumbed to his injuries while being rushed to a hospital in Panipat.
Earlier that evening, Narendra returned from Haridwar and met Vinod. The two were going on a scooter to nearby fields when they met Anip and stopped to talk.
On a complaint filed by Narendra's brother Omvir Gahlayan, police have registered a murder case and recovered the SUV. Omvir alleged a few locals involved in illicit activities suspected Narendra of informing authorities about illegal mining. This information had recently led to seizure of several trolleys and dumpers following a crackdown by the mining department.
Omvir said before succumbing to his injuries, a briefly conscious Narendra identified several people to his family, accusing them of intentionally targeting him. Narendra had also allegedly received multiple death threats before the alleged attack.
