Ludhiana businessman shot dead at birthday party; murder case registered against nine

Hyderabad: A 34-year-old businessman from the family that runs Ludhiana’s decades-old Pandit Ji Chole Kulche eatery was allegedly shot dead during an argument at a birthday party in Green World Homes on Pakhowal Road on Wednesday night. 

Rahul Sharma was taken to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where he died of his injuries. Police registered a murder case against nine people on the complaint of his father, Kuldeep Kumar Sharma, 64. The prime suspect, Gagandeep Arora of Moga, allegedly fired the shot using his licensed firearm. Four teams have been formed to arrest the accused. 

Police sources said Rahul, who was also involved in real estate, was discussing a business matter with Gagandeep when an argument broke out. However, the motive remains under investigation. 

Akhil Joshi, who hosted the birthday party, claimed in a video statement that the firearm went off accidentally while Gagandeep was placing his revolver on a table. Joshi also denied allegations that he and Gagandeep abandoned Rahul at the hospital, saying they stayed until his family arrived. 

The police said Rahul had sustained two bullet wounds and that the sequence of events would become clear after the accused were arrested.

The incident was the second fatal shooting in Ludhiana within 24 hours. Earlier on Wednesday, a 31-year-old man from Panchkula was shot dead during a clash between two groups near Tajpur Road. Police have arrested one suspect in that case.

Ludhiana MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring expressed concern over the killing, saying such incidents were raising questions about public safety in Punjab. BJP state general secretary Anil Sarin demanded the immediate arrest of the accused, while former Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu visited Rahul’s family.