By S S Nadar
May 29, 2023 3:00pm IST

The unidentified assailant fired at the victim at close range and fled; police formed teams to nab the shooter

A 28-year-old businessman involved in the imitation jewellery industry was allegedly shot and killed by an unidentified assailant on Sunday in Kandivli West while en route to a salon. The victim, identified as Manoj Chauhan, lived in Prabhat Chawl, Ganesh Nagar, Kandivali West. According to police sources, the incident occurred around 7.55 am near Mahila Kalyan Kendra in Ganesh Nagar. The shooter, who fled towards Atharva College via the old Link Road, has not yet been identified, said an officer.

“We are yet to ascertain the exact cause behind the killing. During the investigation, we scanned CCTV footage near the scene. In one of the recordings, the incident was captured, showing Chauhan wearing shorts and a T-shirt heading towards a salon while the assailant approached from behind and shot him in the head at close range,” stated the officer.

Upon being informed of the incident, Kandivli police arrived at the scene and promptly rushed the victim to Shatabdi Hospital, where he was declared brought dead, added the officer. Chauhan lived with his elder brother Hareshwar in the residence of their maternal uncle, Harish Chauhan. At the time of the incident, their families and uncle were in their village in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, attending a family wedding. Chauhan’s children—a six-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter—reside in Jaunpur.

“Our investigations are underway. We are examining every possible angle, including enmity, business rivalry, and personal relationships,” the officer added. “We are thoroughly probing the matter and have registered the case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Arms Act. Several teams have been formed to trace the assailant,” stated DCP Ajay Bansal, Zone XI.