Ludhiana: A 20-year-old man, Monu Kumar, was fatally shot in front of his father during an idol worship ceremony in Sherpur Fauji Colony, Ludhiana, late Wednesday night. The brutal attack, which occurred around 10 p.m., also left Monu’s uncle, Guddu Kumar, injured after assailants struck him with a sharp weapon.
The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the violent incident.
Monu, who operated a small grocery store in Makkad Colony, Gyaspur, was participating in the religious event near his father’s bicycle repair shop when the attackers opened fire.
Witnesses reported hearing three to four gunshots, with bullets striking Monu in the stomach. He was rushed to the Civil Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. His body, found drenched in blood at the scene, is scheduled for a postmortem examination today to determine further details of the attack. Guddu Kumar recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the tragedy.
“I was at the Jamalpur fair when Monu called me, inviting me to join the idol worship ceremony near my father’s shop,” he said. “Before I could reach, I got another call saying some youths had attacked during the event. When I arrived, I saw Monu lying on the ground, covered in blood.” As Guddu attempted to confront the youths at the scene, he was attacked with a sharp weapon, sustaining a head injury before the perpetrators fled.
Local residents identified three individuals—Pappu Kumar, Pawan, and Saurav—who were reportedly in the area at the time of the shooting. However, authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the gunman or the precise number of assailants involved. The police are exploring all possible angles, including whether Monu had any prior disputes or rivalries that might have triggered the attack.
Monu, born and raised in Ludhiana, leaves behind his parents and two brothers, Sonu and Deepak. His mother is a homemaker, and his father earns a living repairing bicycles. The family, devastated by the loss, stated they were unaware of any enmity that could have led to such a violent act. Monu, who was unmarried, was described as a hardworking young man dedicated to running his grocery business.
As the investigation unfolds, the community in Sherpur Fauji Colony remains in shock, grappling with the senseless violence that disrupted a sacred ceremony. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
