A 27-year-old wrestler, Mani, alias Pehalwan, was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants outside his house in Mohalla Mehtabgarh, Kapurthala, on late Monday evening, triggering panic in the neighbourhood.
The incident happened when Mani was reportedly bursting firecrackers. Two youths riding a motorcycle allegedly arrived at the scene and opened fire at him. A bullet struck him in the chest, causing him to collapse on the ground with serious wounds.
Family members and local inhabitants rushed the wounded youth to the Civil Hospital, Kapurthala, where doctors declared him brought dead after examination.
The killing has left the family devastated. Mani had got married only a few months ago and is survived by his parents and four sisters. His abrupt death has tumbled the family into mourning, while inhabitants and members of the wrestling community expressed shock over the incident.
The deceased's father was inconsolable while recalling his son at the Civil Hospital. Through a statement to the media, he reportedly stated Mani used to practise wrestling and had no dispute or enmity with anyone.
His statement has added another dimension to the investigation, as the motive behind the killing remains unclear.
Police start investigation
On receiving details about the shooting, DSP Sheetal Singh, accompanied by a police squad, reached the Civil Hospital and took stock of the situation. The police also visited the spot and initiated a probe into the circumstances surrounding the killing. Statements of family members and other persons are being recorded, according to the police. Further legal action will be taken on the basis of the investigation and the evidence collected.
The police are also attempting to establish the identity of the assailants and ascertain the motive behind the murder. Endeavours are in progress to determine whether the killing was linked to any personal enmity or another reason. The incident has raised serious worries among residents about public safety, especially as the attackers allegedly managed to shoot the young man near his residence and flee the spot.
