Fateh Gang member killed in shootout, elderly hit by stray bullet

Neeraj Kumar, alias Tanu, a 26-year-old member of the Fateh gang, succumbed to injuries early Sunday morning following a gang-related shooting in Shaheed Babu Labh Singh Nagar on Saturday night. He was critically injured when assailants opened fire on him in what police believe is a part of an ongoing rivalry between the Fateh and Akash gangs.

Neeraj sustained three bullet wounds to the abdomen during the attack and was rushed to a private hospital in Model Town, where he was pronounced dead. A second victim, 65-year-old Sheshnag, a plumber who was passing by on his bicycle, was also injured when a stray bullet struck him in the thigh. He is receiving treatment at the Civil Hospital.

According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred around 8:30 pm when Neeraj was standing outside his house in Baba Kahan Das Nagar, adjacent to the site of the clash. Armed assailants—believed to be members of the Akash gang—arrived on motorcycles and in cars had an argument with Neeraj and opened fire at close range.

Neeraj’s father, Roop Lal, who was present at the scene, told the police that the attackers had been surveilling the area for the past three days. “They came prepared. As soon as they saw Neeraj outside, they opened fire without warning,” he said. Neeraj was initially taken to a hospital at Kapurthala Chowk but was later referred to the Model Town facility due to his deteriorating condition.

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood, with many residents expressing fear over the growing boldness of gang violence. “This kind of open firing in a residential area is terrifying. Anyone could have died,” said Satish, the nephew of the injured plumber.

Jalandhar