chandigarh-two-arrested-from-j-k-in-murder-of-pharmacy-cashier

The Chandigarh Police has solved the June 13 daylight murder of a pharmacy cashier in Sector 11, arresting two suspected shooters following a coordinated investigation and a dramatic escape attempt that led to a police encounter.

 

On Wednesday night, two individuals from Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district were arrested in connection with the case.

 

The incident took place last week when armed men opened fire inside a pharmacy in Sector 11, killing cashier Janki Das (45), who hailed from Himachal Pradesh, on the spot. The attack was captured on a CCTV camera installed at the shop.

 

According to police, two masked men entered the pharmacy and shot the cashier in broad daylight. After the killing, they fled on a motorcycle with a third accomplice waiting outside.

 

Inspector General of Police (IG) Pushpendra Kumar said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed soon after the killing to crack the case. During the investigation, police tracked the movement of the accused, who fled Chandigarh right after the crime. They first travelled to Delhi by bus and later took a train to Jammu in an attempt to evade arrest.

Based on surveillance inputs and technical analysis, the SIT located and apprehended the two suspects from Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district. The accused — identified as Sunny Mehra and Aryan Sharma — were taken into custody from Rajouri district.

 

Police said while the accused were being taken to Chandigarh, the vehicle carrying them met with an accident. Taking advantage of the situation, the duo allegedly snatched a weapon and tried to escape, triggering an encounter.

 

During the exchange of fire, the accused fired two shots at the police, who responded with four rounds. Both suspects were injured in the legs and taken to hospital for treatment.

 

Investigators said preliminary findings suggest that Sunny Mehra fired the shot that killed the cashier. Police also confirmed that neither of the accused had any prior criminal record.

 

Meanwhile, investigating officers are also checking audio clips that reportedly contain threat messages linked to the case. One more suspect is still absconding, and efforts are on to arrest him.

 

Police are also probing possible extortion links, as an online group has reportedly claimed responsibility for the killing. However, all angles are being investigated.

 

The investigation in the case is still ongoing.