Ludhiana, October 21: A 31-year-old driver was allegedly shot dead during a clash between two groups in the Tajpur Road area of Ludhiana late on Tuesday night, police said on Wednesday.

Source: Punjab News

The deceased was identified as Dilbara Singh, alias Harry, a resident of Panchkula in Haryana who had been living in Ludhiana with his wife Rajwinder Kaur for the past few months, according to police.

Preliminary investigation suggests the incident took place on Tuesday night after Harry learnt that some residents of the EWS Colony had allegedly vandalised his friend Vikas's car, and he went to the spot to mediate, police said. An argument escalated into a physical clash, and the two groups had also fought earlier on Tuesday evening, officials said.

DCP (Rural) Gursewak Singh said Harry's group outnumbered the rival side during the confrontation. Fearing an assault, a youth identified as Jonty allegedly pulled out a weapon and opened fire. A bullet struck Harry in the chest and he collapsed at the scene, police said.

His friends rushed him to a private hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, police said. Local television and social-media news reports from Ludhiana on Wednesday also showed police teams at the Tajpur Road scene and reported that a case had been registered, corroborating the police account of a fatal shooting.

Police said a murder case has been registered against the main accused, Jonty, who is absconding, and special teams have been formed to arrest him. Police are also investigating whether members of either group have previous criminal records. The firing is alleged, and the investigation is continuing.