Chandigarh: Two masked assailants kill a pharmacy cashier by firing 13 rounds from an automatic gun, chilling CCTV footage appears

In a shocking incident of gun violence in broad daylight, two masked assailants opened fire inside a prominent medical store in Chandigarh on Saturday afternoon, killing a cashier. The attack took place at Shree Kumar Medicos, a busy chemist shop located near the PGIMER at Sector 11 in the city.

According to preliminary information, the two unidentified youths, wearing masks, entered the shop around 2:30 pm pretending to be customers. They waited for a few moments before pulling out firearms and firing multiple rounds, with reports suggesting as many as 13 bullets were discharged.

The victim, identified as Janki Das, a 45-year-old cashier hailing from Himachal Pradesh, was shot at point-blank range. He was rushed to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), where he later succumbed to his injuries. No robbery was reported as the assailants did not take away any cash or valuables, pointing towards a possible targeted killing. The assailants fled immediately after shooting at Das.

Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage captured the chilling sequence of events. It can be seen that the pharmacy was filled with several staff and customer, everyone busy with their work. In the meantime, the two youths appear, wearing medical masks and caps. After waiting for a few moments, both of them pulled out guns. At that time, Janki Das was talking to another employee of the pharmacy at that time.

A youth wearing a red shirt unloaded the entire magazine from the automatic pistol on Das, and he collapsed immediately. The other youth in a black shirt didn’t fire any shots, although he was also holding a gun. The two then quickly exited the store. From the CCTV video it appears that killers had come to kill Das only, they didn’t shot anyone else, and didn’t try to loot anything.

A third accomplice was allegedly waiting outside the store on a motorcycle, and the trio escaped together after the attack. The attackers managed to escape despite a police naka being in the vicinity. Security personnel and police teams from the local station rushed to the spot, sealed the area, and began collecting evidence, including bullet casings. Forensic experts have also been called in to examine the scene.⁠

SSP Sumer Pratap Singh said, “This incident took place today at 2.30 pm. Two masked individuals arrived at the shop here. They launched a barrage of gunfire at the shop’s employee, Janki Das, and subsequently managed to flee the scene. An accomplice was waiting outside on a motorcycle, and all three of them escaped together. The investigation is currently at a very preliminary stage. We are exploring every possibility.”

As per reports, two other persons were also injured after being hit by bullet shrapnel, but the nature of their injuries has not been confirmed.

While some reports claimed that the owner of the medical store had received threat calls in the past, the police have denied it. “The shop owner hadn’t received any threats before this,” said SSP Sumer Pratap Singh said.

Police are probing possible motives, including links to previous disputes or criminal elements. A case has been registered, and a massive manhunt has been launched with roadblocks set up across the city. Chandigarh Police Commissioner has assured a thorough investigation and early arrest of the culprits. No gang has claimed responsibility for the crime.

Written by OpIndia Staff
Last modified at