Group clash: Arhtiya shot dead in Ludhiana

Ludhiana : An arhtiya was reportedly shot dead by a group of around eight persons at the local Sabzi Mandi this morning. Five shots were fired at the victim, Avvi (25) of Naya Mohalla, following which he was rushed to CMCH where he succumbed to his injuries.The killing is said to be a case of a gang war, but the police have denied it.Deputy Police Commissioner Dhruman Nimble said: “It was not a gang war. Avvi had confiscated the stocks of some vendors and negotiations were on. In the meantime, some vendors called their accomplice who fired shots at Avvi.”Sources, however, said there were two groups in the market who took money from vendors for allowing them to do business inside the mandi.One group was led by Avvi and his brother Roobal, president, Youth Arhtiya Organisation, while another by Somnath Fauji, an Akali Dal leader, and his son Rajan. Of late, the group led by Roobal reportedly started dominating the scene, which had not gone down well with Somnath and his supporters. Atinderpal Singh and others of Som Nath group entered into a scuffle with Avvi and Roobal this morning. Atinderpal Singh was reportedly held hostage by the brothers while others accompanying him fled from scene. Later, Atinderpal Singh’s brother Inderjeet Singh along with his supporters reached the spot and fired shots at Avvi and Roobal. While Roobal escaped unhurt, Avvi was rushed to the hospital with five bullet injuries. The police have registered a case under Section 302 of the IPC against eight persons, including Somnath Fauji, Rajan, Nikka, Pala, Atinderpal Singh and Inderjeet Singh.