Chandigarh ( Naval Kishore/ Rajeev Sharma): In a shocking incident that has shaken the City Beautiful and reignited concerns over the growing reach of organised crime, 45-year-old cashier Janki Das was gunned down in broad daylight inside the crowded premises of Shree Kumar Medicos in Sector 11 on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The brazen attack unfolded within seconds and left residents questioning how such violence could occur in one of India’s most secure urban centres.
According to investigators, two masked assailants entered the busy chemist shop during business hours and calmly approached the cash counter before opening fire at point-blank range. Police recovered evidence suggesting that 13 rounds were fired from a sophisticated 9mm semi-automatic weapon, leaving Janki Das with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) but succumbed to his injuries. CCTV footage of the incident is now a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation. The murder has sparked widespread outrage, particularly because investigators are examining the possibility that Janki Das may not have been the intended target. Police are probing whether the shooters had actually been sent to attack a nearby establishment known as “Kumar Brothers” and mistakenly entered Shree Kumar Medicos due to the similarity in names. The theory gained traction after a social media post allegedly linked to the gang referred to the “Kumar brothers.” However, another line of investigation suggests that the victim may have been deliberately targeted, with reports indicating that the assailants visited multiple chemist shops before arriving at the store and may have confirmed the victim’s identity before opening fire. Authorities say all possibilities remain under investigation.
Hours after the killing, a social media account allegedly associated with the Rana Dhillon-Goldy Dhillon gang claimed responsibility for the attack. A purported audio clip that quickly went viral issued an ominous warning to the rival Lawrence Bishnoi gang, threatening that anyone associated with the Bishnoi network or those who failed to comply with extortion demands would face severe consequences. While investigators have not independently verified the authenticity of the audio recording, they are examining its origin as part of the case. The message has once again exposed the increasingly violent turf war between organised criminal groups whose operations allegedly extend beyond India’s borders.
The fact that the murder occurred near an active police checkpoint has further intensified public concern. Visiting the crime scene, Chandigarh Director General of Police Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda assured residents that those responsible would soon be brought to justice.
“The crime scene has been recreated. Our teams are tracking and tracing the accused and preliminary investigations are proceeding in the right direction. A major breakthrough is expected shortly.”
Delivering a stern warning to criminal elements, the DGP added:
“Chandigarh is no place for shooters, gangsters or criminals. Whosoever has tried to take the law into their hands has been dealt with sternly in the past, and this case will be no different.” He further assured citizens that public safety remained the police force’s highest priority and that no effort would be spared in apprehending the accused.
Earlier, DIG Sumer Pratap Singh said investigators were exploring every possible motive behind the murder.
“Investigations are at a preliminary stage, and it is too soon to say anything, but we are exploring all angles. We are making all efforts to nab the accused.”
Following the brazen attack, Chandigarh Police, supported by paramilitary personnel, launched an extensive operation across the region. Security has been tightened at sensitive locations, checkpoints have been strengthened, and coordinated raids are being conducted in neighbouring areas. Investigators are analysing CCTV footage from the market and adjoining roads while technical surveillance teams attempt to trace the escape route of the suspects, who reportedly fled on a motorcycle with an accomplice waiting nearby.
The case has also renewed attention on the growing influence of foreign-based gangsters in northern India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously announced a ₹10 lakh reward for information leading to the arrest of Goldy Dhillon, who has been accused of operating international extortion networks and coordinating attacks through local operatives. Law enforcement agencies allege that overseas handlers continue to recruit shooters, arrange weapons and orchestrate violence through criminal modules spread across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.
For the family of Janki Das, a native of Himachal Pradesh who came to Chandigarh to earn an honest living, the underworld rivalry means little. He was neither a gangster nor a criminal, but an ordinary man working to support his family. Yet, in less than thirty seconds, his life was cut short in a hail of bullets allegedly fired in the name of a gang war.
Whether Janki Das was deliberately targeted or became the tragic victim of mistaken identity, his death serves as a grim reminder that when organised crime grows unchecked, innocent citizens often pay the ultimate price. As Chandigarh mourns the loss of another innocent life, residents are demanding swift justice and stronger action to ensure that gang wars do not turn the city’s streets into battlegrounds.
