A shooting in Sector 22, Chandigarh, on Friday resulted in the death of a minor and left another person critically injured, police said. An auto-rickshaw driver who was struck by gunfire has been admitted to hospital, officials added.
Police say dispute among youths preceded the firing
The city police said the incident followed an earlier dispute among a group of friends in Sector 44 during the day. According to the station house officer, the violence appears to have stemmed from a long-standing grudge dating to the victims' school days.
“The deceased was a minor, and the alleged perpetrator was also of a similar age,” said SHO Sudesh Kumar.
Police have described the suspected shooter as being of comparable age to the deceased; formal identification and age verification are part of the ongoing probe. A team from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) reached the scene to assist with evidence collection, officials said.
Immediate response and evidence collection
Authorities cordoned off the area in Sector 22 and began preliminary inquiries at the scene. Forensic experts are expected to conduct ballistic analysis and collect other physical and digital evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events. The SHO said further investigation is underway.
Details released so far by police include:
- Fatality: One minor (name not disclosed)
- Critically injured: Another minor
- Other injured: An auto-rickshaw driver, hospitalised
- Location of earlier dispute: Sector 44
- Forensic team: CFSL deployed to the site
What police have said and procedural steps
Officers have characterised the case as the outcome of a personal feud among young acquaintances rather than a random act of violence. The investigation will determine whether the incident should be treated as culpable homicide, attempted murder or another offence under the Indian Penal Code, and whether provisions of juvenile law apply to any accused.
Procedural steps expected in the coming hours include:
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| CFSL forensic analysis | Ballistics, fingerprint and trace evidence collection |
| Medical examination of injured | Assess injuries; document wounds for legal record |
| Interviews of witnesses and group members | Establish sequence of events and identify suspects |
Legal and community implications
The involvement of minors, both among the victims and the alleged perpetrator, raises questions about juvenile justice procedures and the need for careful handling of evidence and interrogation in line with statutory protections. Police must balance rapid investigation with legal safeguards applicable to children.
Locally, the incident has prompted concern among residents and street vendors in Sector 22, a busy commercial and transit hub. Authorities have been urged by some community members to step up patrols and parental engagement programmes to prevent escalation of youth disputes into lethal confrontations.
What is known and what remains to be established
Confirmed facts at this stage are limited to the number of persons hit by gunfire and the presence of an apparent pre-existing dispute. Key questions still pending include the precise motive, the identity and custody status of any accused, the source of the firearm and whether more persons were directly involved.
Police said they are piecing together CCTV footage, mobile phone records and witness statements as the probe continues. Formal charges and further updates will be released as the investigation advances and legal protocols for minors are observed.
Residents with information relevant to the case have been asked to come forward to the local police station. The SHO indicated that law enforcement is prioritising rapid action while ensuring the investigation conforms to legal standards.
