Man Fired After Court Hearing, Another Man Also Hurt Near Mini-Secretariat

Panic gripped Karnal's Sector 12 on Wednesday afternoon when two bike-borne assailants opened fire on a man who had just attended a court hearing, injuring him and a bystander near the Mini-Secretariat complex.

The victims have been identified as Harpreet, also known as Happy, a resident of Gharaunda, and Gurvinder from Panipat. Police confirmed that Harpreet was the intended target, while Gurvinder was accidentally hit during the attack. 

Daylight shooting near courthouse

According to police, the incident occurred when Harpreet was standing near a 'fruit-chaat' vendor close to the Mini-Secretariat and court premises after attending his court hearing. The assailants, one of whom was wearing a helmet, fired approximately four rounds at him before fleeing the scene. 

Harpreet sustained two bullet wounds while Gurvinder, who happened to be standing nearby, was struck by one bullet. Both injured men were rushed to a hospital for treatment and are reportedly out of danger. 

Investigation underway 

After the shooting, the assailants escaped through an open ground toward the highway. DSP Rajiv Kumar, SHO of Civil Lines, arrived at the scene with a forensic science laboratory (FSL) team and recovered bullet shells for examination. 

"We are investigating the case from all angles," said the DSP. The police are now reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas and questioning street vendors and witnesses to gather leads. 

Criminal background of target

Superintendent of Police Ganga Ram Punia stated that the victim's family has provided names of four suspects, and the police are working to verify this information. 

"We have registered an attempt to murder case, and an investigation is underway," said SP Punia, adding that Harpreet has four previous FIRs registered against him in Karnal, including charges of murder, assault, and cheating.

The motive behind the attack remains under investigation as police continue to gather evidence and pursue leads in the case.