Sector 32 shooting case solved: Hardcore criminals shot at duo for refusing to spend money on drugs, says Chandigarh police

Three days after two men sustained gunshot injuries after firing shots at a taxi rank in Sector 32 on Tuesday, the Chandigarh Police cracked the case by arresting two hardcore criminals.

Chandigarh Police claims that both the criminals are habitual criminals against whom many cases have been registered. (HT Photo)

Identified as Dheeraj Sharma alias Sunny, 31, and Sukhwinder Singh alias Kali, 29, the duo opened fire on the victims after they were denied money for drugs, said sleuths of the District Crime Cell, which arrested the accused on Friday.

Both criminals are habitual criminals against whom many cases have been initiated, they said.

Rajesh, a taxi driver from Nayagaon in Mohali, and his friends were approached by Dheeraj and Sukhwinder at the Gosal taxi rank in Sector 32 on Tuesday evening.

Rajesh alleged that Dheeraj demanded money from him to buy drugs and when he was refused, he became agitated.

Furious, Dheeraj ordered Sukhwinder to open fire. In the ensuing violence, Sukhwinder fired multiple shots, injuring him and his friend Honey Bhardwaj, alleged to be Rajesh.

He suffered a gunshot wound to the hand and Honey was shot in the neck. Both victims are still in hospital due to their injuries. After the incident, the accused fled the spot, prompting the Chandigarh police to launch a manhunt.

Defendant in many criminal cases

According to police, both Dheeraj and Sukhwinder regularly consumed drugs, especially heroin, and committed crimes to finance their addiction. They added that their history of violence and involvement in criminal activities in Chandigarh and nearby areas made them a serious threat to public security.

A resident of Dadumajra, Dheeraj is involved in five criminal cases, including attempted murder, assault and multiple drug offenses under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A pistol made in one country and two live bullets were found in his possession.

Sukhwinder, who is also a resident of Dadumajra, is involved in two criminal cases, including a drug-related offense under the NDPS Act. One pistol and three live bullets were found in his possession.

Further investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of their involvement in other crimes in the region. Both defendants will appear in court on Saturday.