PHAGWARA: A violent confrontation between two rival groups led to a fatal shooting outside a gym near the Shankar Bypass Canal in Nakodar on Wednesday late evening. One youth was killed and another seriously injured in what authorities are describing as a gang-related incident.
According to police, gunfire broke out following a dispute between individuals traveling in two vehicles — a Toyota Fortuner and a Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Witnesses reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire in quick succession, causing panic in the area.
The deceased has been identified as Yograj, a resident of Mehmuval Shahkot, who had been living and working at the gym in Nakodar for the past few years. Police confirmed that he was not directly involved in the dispute but was caught in the crossfire when he stepped outside upon hearing the commotion. Yograj, who is survived by his wife and four-year-old daughter, was rushed to the Civil Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
The second victim, Dilpreet Singh, a resident of Kang Sahib village, sustained serious gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized. His condition is reported to be stable, but critical.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nakodar Sukhpal Singh, along with City Police Station Chief Aman Saini and Sadar Police Station Head Baljinder Singh, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. Cops recovered both the Fortuner and Dzire vehicles, both of which bore bullet marks and shattered windows — evidence of the intensity of the shootout.
DSP Sukhpal Singh confirmed that a preliminary investigation suggests the violence stemmed from an old rivalry between the groups involved. Forensic teams have begun analyzing the vehicles, and security camera footage from nearby establishments is being reviewed.
No arrests had been made yet, but the police are investigating the case.