Ludhiana, October 22: Rahul Sharma, aged about 34, was shot during a birthday celebration near Lalton Chowk, in the area of Sadar police station, Ludhiana, on the intervening night of October 21 and 22. He was taken by those present to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC), where he died during treatment, the Commissionerate Police, Ludhiana, said in an official statement.

Source: Commissionerate Police, Ludhiana — official statement

In the police briefing, officer Alam Vijay Singh said information about firing near Lalton Chowk was received at around 1:22 am. According to police, eight to ten men were present at the birthday celebration when a dispute broke out and a shot was fired, hitting Rahul Sharma. Police said the victim was the son of the owner of the city's well-known 'Pandit Kulche-Chhole' food outlet.

Police said a case has been registered at Sadar police station under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act. Four police teams, including CIA staff, have been formed under the supervision of Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma to trace the persons named in the case and complete the investigation.

In the briefing relayed by local outlets, police described the dispute as having erupted suddenly at the party, with no prior enmity indicated so far. That account is a police assessment at this stage, not a court finding, and the investigation is continuing.

Source: Ludhiana Live 24x7 — police briefing

Rozana Spokesman also reported the killing, describing the victim as the son of the well-known Pandit Kulche-Chhole outlet owner and the incident as having occurred during a birthday party. Police have appealed to the public to maintain peace and cooperate with the investigation, and said further details will follow as the probe progresses.

Source: Rozana Spokesman