Quick arrests after shopside shooting in Loni
Ghaziabad police arrested two men and detained a juvenile within 24 hours of a fatal shooting in Loni, saying they recovered a country-made pistol, a live cartridge and a motorcycle without a number plate from the suspects. Two other accused are absconding, officials added.
According to the complaint registered at Loni police station, five men called the deceased, identified as Sonu, to a shop on Friday where he was fired upon and later died. The arrested have been named as Salman (20) and Shoaib (23), while a minor has been detained. The other two accused, identified as Fizu and Azim, are at large, the officer said.
Charges framed and evidence recovered
An FIR was lodged under sections 103(1) (murder) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the BNS. In addition, sections 3, 25 and 27 of the Arms Act — relating to illegal possession, acquisition and use of firearms — were added, police said. Investigating teams were formed immediately and, with the assistance of CCTV footage and manual intelligence, officers identified the suspects and effected arrests within 24 hours of the incident.
- Seized items: country-made pistol, a live cartridge, motorcycle without a number plate, and clothes allegedly worn during the crime.
- Place of attempted escape: Khadkhadi underpass; police intercepted the group while they were trying to flee through this route.
- All five accused are residents of Chiraudi village, police said.
Alleged motive and statements
"Sonu had been following a friend’s sister while she travelled to and from college... he continued to do so despite being warned not to do so, prompting them to plan the murder," Salman allegedly told police.
Police said their preliminary probe indicates that the attack was planned. They allege Salman procured a Splendor Plus motorcycle without a number plate and that Salman, the minor and Azim travelled to Loni where they purchased clothes, shoes and towels to cover their faces. Shoaib is accused of calling Sonu to the shop and making him sit there. The minor, who was riding the motorcycle, is said to have arrived with Salman and Azim, and opened fire on Sonu.
Who has been taken into custody
Police said they apprehended Shoaib, Salman and the juvenile within a day of the incident. Clothes allegedly worn during the crime were recovered from the suspects and are being examined as part of the case. Investigating officers are also verifying the accused’s criminal antecedents, the officer added.
| Accused | Status | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Salman | Arrested | 20 |
| Shoaib | Arrested | 23 |
| Minor | Detained | Not disclosed |
| Azim | At large | Not disclosed |
| Fizu | At large | Not disclosed |
Further legal proceedings are under way, police said. The statement did not specify which unit will handle the prosecution of the juvenile under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, nor did it indicate whether the juvenile will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee or a juvenile court.
Local implications and next steps
The quick arrests and recovery of material evidence come amid heightened local concern over targeted acts of violence and illegal firearms. Police have said dedicated teams continue to trace the remaining two accused and are examining CCTV footage and other leads.
Investigators also told reporters they are verifying antecedents and will provide further details as the probe progresses and legal procedures are completed. Court filings and remand applications are expected to follow the completion of initial police formalities.
The case has drawn attention to safety concerns for students and commuters, given the alleged motive cited by the arrested suspect. Local residents and college authorities in Loni may look for reassurance from intensified patrolling and surveillance near educational institutions and known transit routes such as the Khadkhadi underpass while the investigation continues.
