Three men accused in the daylight shooting of a pharmacy cashier in Chandigarh have been apprehended in Jammu and Kashmir following an extensive multi-state manhunt. Investigators are now examining potential connections to organised crime syndicates and extortion networks as part of the ongoing probe into the June 13 murder.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the victim, identified as 45-year-old Janki Das, was shot dead inside Shree Kumar Medical Shop in Chandigarh’s Sector 11 market. CCTV footage captured two masked individuals entering the pharmacy and firing at close range before escaping on a motorcycle driven by a third accomplice.
The accused have been identified by police as Sunny Mehra, 22, and Amit Kumar, both residents of Samba district, and Aryan Sharma, 21, from Rajouri district. Officials state that Sunny is alleged to be the shooter, Aryan was positioned outside on the getaway motorcycle, and Amit is considered the key conspirator who accompanied Sunny inside the pharmacy.
According to preliminary investigation findings, the trio allegedly arrived in Chandigarh on a stolen motorcycle with a Punjab registration. They reportedly stayed in the city before executing what police describe as a planned killing. Following the attack, they are believed to have fled through Sector 43, travelled by bus to Delhi, and subsequently took a train to Jammu and Kashmir in an effort to evade law enforcement.
The breakthrough in the case came after a concerted investigation that involved analysing CCTV footage, reviewing hotel records, gathering intelligence, and employing technical surveillance across multiple states. A Special Investigation Team, comprising officers from the Crime Branch, Operations Cell, District Crime Cell, and Sector 11 police station, successfully traced the suspects to Jammu and Kashmir.
Sunny Mehra and Aryan Sharma were arrested in Jammu on Wednesday, while Amit Kumar was apprehended near Samba on Thursday. Police anticipate that Amit’s arrest will be crucial in uncovering the broader conspiracy behind the murder, including potential links to organised criminal groups and extortion rackets.
The investigation took a further turn when the two arrested accused allegedly attempted to escape while being transported back to Chandigarh under transit remand. According to police reports, the vehicle carrying them was involved in a minor accident near Panjab University. During this incident, the accused reportedly gained access to a weapon that had fallen during the collision and attempted to flee the scene.
Inspector General Pushpendra Kumar stated that the accused disregarded warnings and allegedly fired upon the police team, which led to retaliatory firing. Both Sunny Mehra and Aryan Sharma sustained bullet wounds to their legs and were admitted to the Government Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sector 16, for medical treatment. Separate legal proceedings have been initiated concerning the escape attempt.
Authorities have indicated that the weapon used in the murder has not yet been recovered and is believed to be in Amit Kumar’s possession. Investigators are also reviewing claims attributed to Canada-based gangster Goldy Dhillon, who allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack through social media posts and audio messages. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating whether the killing was connected to extortion demands, a targeted attack on local businessmen, or a wider criminal conspiracy.
While police have not ruled out any possibilities, they currently report no evidence to suggest that Janki Das was a victim of mistaken identity. The motive behind the murder remains a central focus of the ongoing investigation.
Chandigarh Director General of Police Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda commented that the arrests represent only the initial phase of the investigation. He stated that the focus will now shift to identifying individuals who planned, financed, and facilitated the crime, with the aim of dismantling any organised criminal networks operating behind the scenes.
The murder had caused significant concern in Chandigarh, particularly given the assailants’ ability to escape from a crowded market area situated close to a police checkpoint. With all three accused now in custody, investigators are hopeful of uncovering the complete conspiracy behind what is described as one of the city’s most audacious killings in recent years.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
