Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: Armed assailants opened fire on an SUV, killing a 24-year-old businessman returning home with his father, triggering panic on a busy street near Chhatarpur Metro Station in south Delhi on Thursday afternoon.The attackers fired more than a dozen rounds before fleeing. Police are investigating two possible motives — personal revenge stemming from a past altercation and a land dispute mentioned by the victim’s family. Police are also probing the role of gangster Rohit Chaudhary in the case.The deceased was identified as Arun Lohia, a resident of Aya Nagar who owned several godowns in the area. According to police, the attack happened around 1 pm while Arun and his father were in their vehicle. A black SUV stopped nearby, and two men approached the driver’s side and opened fire, specifically targeting Arun. He suffered critical injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared brought dead. His father escaped unhurt.“Preliminary investigation indicates that Arun and his father were returning from a court hearing related to a case registered under IPC sections for attempted murder and common intention at Fatehpur Beri police station, in which Arun was an accused,” police said in a statement. The family alleged that the attack was linked to a land dispute because of which Arun had been in a scuffle with some people last year.Arun’s father, Ramveer Lohia, recounted that they had just left the Saket court after attending a hearing in the same case and were stuck in traffic for about 30 minutes when the shooters approached from the gurdwara side and opened fire. “My son was driving when he was shot. There was no chance to escape,” he said. The father added that 20–25 rounds were fired. He claimed that six to seven people were involved in the attack.Ramveer also said that the dispute over the plot escalated last year, resulting in a criminal complaint. “We agreed to a Rs 16 lakh settlement during a panchayat. Just last night, my son spoke with them, and they said there was no hostility,” he said.Ramveer also alleged that his son was under surveillance for six months and identified Rohit Chaudhary — a man who served five years in jail — as one of those involved in the reconnaissance prior to the attack. Police are investigating whether this claim is connected to gangster Rohit Chaudhary.A police source said that during last year’s altercation with Arun, a member of the opposing party suffered fractures, which may also be the motive for revenge. A panchayat was also held last year, where both parties were encouraged to resolve the dispute amicably.Eyewitnesses shared chilling details of the incident. One resident said the shooters fired several rounds, some in the air. “Someone even threw a helmet at them, which hit their bike, but they still managed to flee,” he added. A nearby fruit vendor said he initially thought there was a blast. “When we rushed over, we saw a man lying motionless inside the car,” he said.Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and have launched a manhunt to trace the suspects. Arun is survived by his wife and two children.
Mayank Rawat
