Sewak Pharmacy Firing: Panic spread through Chandigarh’s busy Sector 32 market on Thursday night after two masked men allegedly opened fire outside a chemist shop, narrowly missing the shop owner and staff. The sudden gunshots sent shoppers and traders scrambling for safety in what is usually considered a calm commercial area.
The incident occurred outside Sewak Pharmacy at around 9.32 pm, when the market was still crowded. According to police sources, the assailants arrived on a white Activa scooter that did not have a registration number. Both men were masked and fired two gunshots before fleeing the scene.
One of the bullets reportedly struck the ground and then hit the cash counter near the entrance of the pharmacy, while the second shot was fired into the air. Fortunately, no one was injured in the firing.
Recalling the frightening moments, Tanishq Luthra, one of the three owners of Sewak Pharmacy, said he was standing at the counter when the attackers fired without any warning. All employees were present inside the shop at the time. He said it was sheer luck that the bullet struck the counter instead of hitting anyone. The other two owners, Dushyant and Iqbal, were not present during the incident.
Police officials confirmed that one cartridge was recovered from the spot, while teams continued searching for the second cartridge till late night. The Police Control Room received a call about the firing at 9.32 pm, following which teams from Sector 34 police station, the District Crime Cell, and the Crime Branch rushed to the location.
A CFSL team was also called in to collect forensic evidence. Police sources said CCTV footage from the area shows two individuals on a scooter firing shots and escaping towards a nearby residential area. Footage from surrounding streets is being closely examined to trace their route and identify the suspects.
The motive behind the firing remains unclear. The shop owners have told police that they did not receive any threat calls or extortion demands prior to the incident. Investigators said all possible angles are being explored, including personal rivalry and random intimidation.
The incident has raised security concerns among traders and residents of Sector 32. Several shopkeepers shut early after the firing, expressing fear over the sudden act of violence in a busy marketplace.
Police officials said efforts are underway to identify and arrest the accused at the earliest, assuring residents that strict action will be taken once the shooters are traced.