Mohali: Panic spread in Hoshiarpur village in New Chandigarh after unidentified assailants opened fire at the residence of a property dealer late on Wednesday night, in what is suspected to be an attempt to intimidate over an extortion demand.Confirming the incident, Mohali SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans said, “The victim approached police claiming that gunshots were fired at his house following an extortion call of Rs one crore. We are examining the CCTV footage and the identity of the assailants. The investigation is handed over to the crime branch.” The attack targeted the house of Vikram Singh, a property dealer who also operates an office in Majra village. According to information, the incident took place around 11 pm when two masked attackers arrived on a motorcycle and fired multiple rounds at the residence before escaping. Police said approximately seven rounds were fired during the incident. During the preliminary investigation, four spent cartridges were recovered from outside the house, one from a pillar at the main gate, and two from inside the premises. Initial findings suggest that a .32-bore pistol was used. A local resident, Kaka Khan, said he initially mistook the gunshots for motorcycle backfire and realised the gravity of the situation only after commotion increased in the street. Sources indicated that the victim had allegedly been receiving threatening calls from international numbers over the past few days, with demands for Rs 1 crore as extortion. Police suspect the firing may have been carried out to create fear after the demand was not met or reported. Senior officials of Mohali Police reached the spot soon after the incident. Teams from the CIA staff and the State Forensic Science Laboratory also examined the scene and collected evidence. Police have initiated a detailed probe, including analysis of CCTV footage from nearby areas, tracing of the threatening calls, and examination of voice samples. Investigators are also retrieving mobile tower dump data from the time of the incident to identify the accused. A case has been registered against unidentified persons under relevant sections of the Arms Act at Mullanpur police station. Police officials said efforts are underway to identify and arrest the attackers at the earliest.
