Undertrial gunned down at Hisar court

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, May 14

A murder accused undergoing trial was shot dead while a policeman accompanying him was injured when an assailant opened fire inside the district courts complex today.

The deceased, Sandeep, alias Bachi (26), a resident of Petwar village in Hisar district, was being taken to the local court in a criminalcase from the Jind prison when he was shot from a close range.

While Sandeep died on the spot, Assistant Sub-Inspector Gulbir Singh was admitted to the hospital with a bullet injury in the arm.

The accused, Sajid Khan, was overpowered by the police while his accomplice Arvind Pandit who was waiting for him at the entrance of the court complex fled.

The murder is stated to be the fallout of a gang war between two notorious gangs — Vinod Panu and Ajit Pehalwan.

Sandeep was reportedly a key member of the Pehalwan gang and was facing several cases of murder and attempted murder. Police spokesperson Chander Bhan said Sandeep was being taken to the court at 11.10 am when the accused shot at him thrice. While two bullets hit Sandeep, the third hit the ASI in the arm. Policemen present at the scene overpowered the accused. “The deceased Sandeep had been facing charges of murder of Bajrang and Radhe, both belonging to the Vinod Panu gang. Sajid seems to have avenged their killing,” said a source. The incident created panic in the courts complex with the District Bar Association urging the police to step up vigil. “The police have installed security system at the entrance of judges’ chambers only. But the incident exposed that police laxity to ensure safety in the court complex”, said the acting president of the DBA.