In a shocking incident that has rattled the local community, unidentified miscreants opened fire at a sweet shop in the bustling Samalkha town of Panipat district, Haryana. The brazen attack resulted in injuries to the shop owner, sending waves of fear through the market area.
The Attack: A Terrifying Ordeal at Mittal Sweets
The incident unfolded on a Tuesday evening at the popular Mittal Sweets, located near the old bus stand in Samalkha. According to police reports, two unidentified individuals arrived at the shop. Without any immediate provocation or altercation, one of them pulled out a pistol and fired multiple shots towards the shop's proprietor, Rajesh Mittal.
The gunfire caused panic among customers and shopkeepers in the vicinity. The assailants, having executed their attack, swiftly fled the scene on a motorcycle, disappearing into the crowded lanes before anyone could react. Rajesh Mittal sustained a gunshot wound in the attack and was promptly rushed to a nearby private hospital for urgent medical treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
Police Investigation and Immediate Response
Upon receiving information about the shooting, a police team from the Samalkha police station quickly arrived at the crime scene. Law enforcement officials have initiated a thorough investigation, cordoning off the area and collecting forensic evidence, including empty bullet casings.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act. While the precise motive behind the attack remains unclear at this initial stage, investigators are exploring all possible angles. Preliminary inquiries suggest the possibility of a personal or business rivalry, but no official confirmation has been provided. A massive manhunt has been launched to identify and apprehend the two motorcycle-riding suspects.
Community Reaction and Heightened Security
The shooting has instilled a sense of insecurity among local business owners and residents in Samalkha. Such violent incidents in a public market area are rare and have raised concerns about law and order. Shopkeepers in the old bus stand area have expressed their anxiety, calling for increased police patrolling to prevent such events in the future.
Senior police officials have assured the public that the investigation is a top priority and the culprits will be caught soon. They have also urged anyone with information about the incident or the suspects to come forward and assist the police. The local administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure peace and calm in the town.
This attack on a well-known sweet shop, a place typically associated with celebration and community, has starkly highlighted the challenges of curbing street crime. As the Panipat police delve deeper into the case, the community awaits answers and hopes for a swift restoration of safety and normalcy in their marketplaces.
