Bizman, partner shot at in full public view

Times News Network

Ludhiana: At least four men shot at a local businessman, Gurvinder Singh Prinkle and his woman business partner near CMC hospital in Khud Mohalla at around 6pm. Police said that wanted criminal Rishav Benipal alias Nanu led the attack on Prinkle. The victim retaliated as the assailants fired at least 15 rounds at him and his woman partner, Navtej Kaur.

Eye-witnesses said that the accused had covered their faces. When they were trying to escape after the attack, one of them dropped his pistol, which the police recovered later. Onlookers added that the accused also fired at Prinkle’s footwear shop and his father’s shop.

Prinkle and Navtej Kaur were rushed to CMC hospital, from where they were referred to Fortis hospital, Chandigarh Road. Prinkle suffered four bullet injuries, one on the right shoulder, one near the heart and two on both feet. The woman took two bullet hits on the back.

Division number 3 police and deputy commissioner of police (Rural) Jaskiranjit Singh Teja reached at the spot and talked to the victims. “Prinkle has accused his father-in-law and wanted criminal Rishav Benipal alias Nanu of this murderous attack. Prinkle, who got married recently, said that he had issues with his father-in-law, who attacked him with the help of Nanu. Prinkle, who has a licenced weapon, fired back,” he said.

Teja added that police had seized the pistol which the attackers left at the crime spot. “A case is being registered against Nanu, Prinkle's father-in-law and their aides on the basis of statements issued by the victim. Besides, CCTV recorder at the spot has been taken into custody.”

Prinkle told DCP Teja that he recently got married to his girlfriend against the wishes of her family, which led to tensions with his in-laws. “A few days ago, Prinkle had some issues with his wife, following which she left for her parental home. Now, she is divorcing him. Notorious criminal Nanu is close to Prinkle’s in-laws. The woman’s family wanted her to marry Nanu. They had been arguing over the phone for the past few days. The attack on him was motivated by this personal enmity.”

On Oct 26, Rishav Benipal alias Nanu and his aides were booked by Daresi police for robbing Jalandhar resident Ajay Kumar of Rs 3 lakh. Nanu had allegedly lost to the victim in a gamble. The accused also extorted additional Rs 4 lakh from the victim. Sources said that Nanu was also miffed about Prinkle’s alleged remarks about him.