Crime – Army Jawan Shot Dead in Targeted Attack on Aligarh-Agra Road
Crime – A 28-year-old Indian Army jawan was killed in a shooting incident on Thursday after being ambushed by unidentified attackers along the Aligarh-Agra Road, according to officials familiar with the investigation. The incident occurred during daylight hours and has triggered a large-scale police response in the area.
Attack Takes Place Near Cold Storage Facility
Police said the shooting occurred near a cold storage unit situated along the busy Aligarh-Agra Road. The victim, identified as Akhilesh Chaudhary, was a resident of Samadpur village and was posted with the Army in Agra. At the time of the incident, he was travelling towards Hathras in his personal vehicle.
Initial findings suggest that the attackers arrived at the scene using both a car and a motorcycle. Investigators believe the assailants deliberately blocked Chaudhary’s movement before opening fire. Witness accounts indicate that the attack was swift and coordinated, leaving little opportunity for the victim to escape.
Victim Attempted to Escape, Police Say
According to police officials, Chaudhary attempted to flee the scene after exiting his vehicle when the shooting began. However, he sustained a critical gunshot wound during the attempt. He collapsed at the spot and was later transported to the district hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The sudden nature of the attack has raised concerns among local residents, particularly due to the location being a frequently used roadway connecting major districts.
Senior Officers Reach Scene for Investigation
Soon after receiving information about the incident, Superintendent of Police Chiranjeev Nath Sinha arrived at the site along with the Additional Superintendent of Police, the Circle Officer of Sadabad, and a significant contingent of police personnel. The area was cordoned off to allow forensic teams to carry out an initial examination.
Authorities confirmed that evidence was collected from the scene, including empty cartridges, and nearby CCTV footage is being reviewed to trace the movement of the attackers before and after the incident.
Family Alleges Old Dispute Behind Killing
At the post-mortem facility, the victim’s cousin, Nitin, spoke to authorities and alleged that the killing was the result of a long-standing dispute. He claimed that all those involved in the attack belonged to the same village as the deceased.
According to the family, Chaudhary had travelled from Agra specifically to attend a scheduled court hearing related to the dispute. He was reportedly en route to the hearing when the ambush took place.
Police Form Multiple Teams to Track Suspects
Superintendent of Police Sinha confirmed that the victim had returned from Agra for legal proceedings and was attacked while travelling alone. He stated that several police teams have been constituted to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“Near the Aligarh-Agra Road, the assailants launched a sudden attack,” the SP said. “Despite being rushed to the hospital, the victim could not be saved.”
The official added that five dedicated teams are currently working on different leads, including personal enmity and previous conflicts, to ensure a swift breakthrough in the case.
Assurance of Strict Action
Police officials have assured that firm action will be taken against those found involved in the killing. Increased patrolling has also been initiated in nearby areas to prevent any escalation of tension.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in identifying the attackers.