1 dead, 1 injured in gang rivalry-related shooting outside gym in Nakodar

A violent confrontation between two rival groups led to a fatal shooting outside a gym near the Shankar Bypass Canal in Nakodar on Wednesday late evening. One youth was killed and another seriously injured in what the authorities are describing as a gang-related incident.

According to the police, the gunfire broke out following a dispute between individuals travelling in two vehicles — a Toyota Fortuner and a Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Witnesses reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire in quick succession, causing panic in the area.

The deceased has been identified as Yograj, a resident of Mehmuval Shahkot, who had been living and working at the gym in Nakodar for the past few years. The police confirmed that he was not directly involved in the dispute but was caught in the crossfire when he stepped outside upon hearing the commotion. Yograj, who is survived by his wife and four-year-old daughter, was rushed to the Civil Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

The second victim, Dilpreet Singh, a resident of Kang Sahib village, sustained serious gunshot wounds and remains hospitalised. His condition is reported to be stable, but critical.

Nakodar Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sukhpal Singh, along with City Police Station chief Aman Saini and Sadar Police Station head Baljinder Singh, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. Cops recovered both Fortuner and Dzire vehicles, both of which bore bullet marks and shattered windows — evidence of the intensity of the shootout.

DSP Sukhpal Singh confirmed that a preliminary investigation suggests the violence stemmed from an old rivalry between the groups involved. Forensic teams have begun analyzing the vehicles, and security camera footage from nearby establishments is being reviewed.

No arrests have been made yet, but the police are investigating.

Punjab