A 28-year-old assistant manager was allegedly shot dead after a road-rage confrontation on the Jammu-Katra Expressway in Sonipat district during the early hours of Wednesday, prompting police to review CCTV footage and form two teams to identify the suspects.
The victim, identified as Prahlad, was travelling back to Rohtak with his colleague Karamveer after attending the inauguration of a new showroom in Kaithal. Prahlad worked as an assistant manager at a clothing showroom in Rohtak. He was originally from Raiguru Nagar in Punjab’s Ludhiana district and lived in Tilak Nagar, Rohtak.
According to the complaint filed by Karamveer, a Maruti Suzuki Eco allegedly rammed their car from behind at about 2.30 am near the Rukhi toll plaza. The driver allegedly continued towards the Gohana area instead of stopping. Prahlad and Karamveer followed the vehicle and intercepted it between Rukhi and Ahulana villages.
The two men reportedly got out of their car and questioned the occupants about the damage caused by the collision. An argument then broke out, during which the occupants of the other car allegedly opened fire at Prahlad. The bullet struck him in the arm and he collapsed, according to the complaint. The assailants then fled in their vehicle.
Karamveer took Prahlad to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Rohtak. Doctors examined him and declared him dead. Sonipat police control room received information from Rohtak Police about the death at around 5.30 am on Wednesday.
Police registered an FIR on the basis of Karamveer’s statement. Investigators are examining the circumstances that led to the confrontation and the subsequent shooting. The case places attention on the risks that can escalate when disputes over collisions move from the roadway into direct confrontations, particularly during late-night travel on an expressway.
ACP Mohana Devender Singh said two police teams had been constituted to investigate the case. The teams are examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the suspects and establish their movements. No arrest had been made at the time of the report.
“Preliminary investigation suggests that the victim sustained one bullet injury. The exact cause of death will be established after the postmortem report is received,” Singh said. Prahlad’s postmortem was conducted at PGIMS, after which his body was handed over to his family. His last rites were subsequently performed. Police investigation and CCTV examination are continuing.
