Kanpur: A 38-year-old karate black belt was shot in the abdomen after confronting a group of armed men who allegedly demanded money for beer and opened fire near the Police Commissioner’s residence in the Civil Lines area late Sunday.The incident, which occurred while a group of youths was playing cricket, triggered panic in the locality. Police have registered a case and launched a search for the accused, one of whom is stated to be a history-sheeter.According to police, Arvind Kumar, a resident near Anandeshwar Apartment in Civil Lines, was playing cricket with local youths around 11.30 pm when six men arrived on a motorcycle and demanded money for beer.When the youths objected, the accused reportedly moved a short distance away, pulled out country-made pistols and fired three rounds. During the confrontation, Arvind attempted to catch one of the attackers but was shot in the abdomen at close range.The attackers fled after the firing, allegedly issuing threats. Arvind was rushed to Lala Lajpat Rai (LLR) Hospital, where doctors said his condition is stable.The incident sparked panic in the Civil Lines area and prompted senior police officers, including the DCP (Central), ADCP and ACP Colonelganj, to rush to the spot. Police are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area.Preliminary investigation has revealed that the main accused is a history-sheeter with several criminal cases registered against him at different police stations. Police teams are conducting raids to arrest the accused.Inspector Manvendra Singh of Gwaltoli police station said the injured man was undergoing treatment. “An FIR has been registered and raids are being carried out to arrest the accused,” he said.
