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India

Two killed in Punjab's Moga shooting; opposition criticises AAP government over law and order

Armed men open fire outside a shop in Angadpura; police suspect old rivalry between two groups

Mithun MK

MOGA: Two men from the same family died during treatment after armed men travelling in a black SUV allegedly opened fire on four people sitting outside a shop in Punjab's Moga.

Two others were injured in the shooting in the Angadpura neighbourhood, which triggered panic in the area. The deceased were identified as Gagan Jindal, 30, and Sahil Jindal, 40.

All four victims sustained bullet injuries. One victim was shot in the head, two in the abdomen and another in the arm, according to preliminary information.

Preliminary information suggests an old rivalry between two groups may have led to the shooting, though the motive has not been established, police said.

Moga senior police officer Sartaj Singh Chahal said a police team reached the spot after receiving information about the firing. He said the victims' family had named some people, and police were recording statements before deciding on further legal action.

Investigators are examining CCTV footage from cameras installed around the scene, and a forensic team has been called in to collect evidence.

The shooting drew criticism from opposition leaders. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of failing to curb gangster activity and questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal over the state's security situation.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu also criticised the state government over the firing, raising concerns about public safety.

The identities of those who allegedly carried out the attack and the precise motive remain to be established through the police investigation.