One killed, another injured over gambling dispute in Jalandhar

A youth identified as Rishabh alias Badshah was killed while his friend critically injured after armed assailants opened fire at them near Khingra Gate here, on late Saturday night.

Police said the accused Manu Kapoor alias Manu Kapoor Dhillon, along with his aides, allegedly opened fire over a gambling dispute between the two groups.

The conflict erupted during a gambling session on Diwali night. Both groups met the next day to settle the dispute, but it turned into a violent altercation with around five rounds being fired, said officials.

Rishabh, a resident of Ali Mohalla, was hit in the stomach and succumbed to his injuries at Johal Hospital in Rama Mandi. His friend, a resident of Basti Bhurekhan, sustained critical injuries and is undergoing treatment.

The incident has sparked anger among the victim's family, who gathered outside the hospital and blocked the Rama Mandi road in protest. A heated exchange also ensued between grieving family members and the police.

Relatives of the deceased alleged that father of the accused was also present at the crime scene. They claim Rishabh was returning home from work when Manu and his associates ambushed him.

Police have recovered bullet shells from the scene and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those involved. Three persons have been rounded up and further investigation is under way, they added.