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Two family members were shot dead in Kaithal, Haryana, within minutes of each other over a decade-old land dispute. Police are investigating, with special teams on the trail of the accused as forensic teams collect evidence from both crime scenes.
Two shot dead in Haryana’s Kaithal over land dispute
Kaithal: Two members of the same family were shot dead in separate incidents within minutes of each other in Haryana’s Kaithal district on Friday morning, in what police believe is a retaliatory attack linked to a long-standing land dispute dating back more than a decade.
The killings took place in the Pundri sub-division, triggering panic in nearby villages and prompting a large-scale police operation to track down the attackers.
According to police, the victims were Rajender Kumar and his uncle Veer Bhan, residents of Pai village under the Pundri police station area. Rajender was riding a two-wheeler near Jatheri village when two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire at him. He collapsed on the road after being shot and later succumbed to his injuries.
Within a short span of time, Veer Bhan was also shot dead in agricultural fields near Pai village, located just a few kilometres from the first crime scene. The timing and manner of the attacks suggest that both men were deliberately targeted as part of a coordinated assault.
Police officials stated that both victims were out on bail in connection with a murder case registered in 2012, which had stemmed from a land-related dispute in the same region. They had reportedly been released from jail around five years ago.
Investigators believe the earlier case may have played a role in the latest violence, although officials noted that there was no immediate or recent confrontation reported between the parties involved.
Forensic teams were dispatched to both locations to collect evidence, and the bodies were sent for post-mortem examinations. Senior police officials visited the crime scenes and confirmed that a case has been registered.
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Special teams, including the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) and Special Task Force (STF), have been deployed to trace the suspects. Police said the accused have been identified, and alerts have been issued to neighbouring districts to prevent their escape.
Following the double murder, police presence has been increased in Pai village and surrounding areas to maintain law and order. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether additional motives or accomplices were involved.
The incident has once again highlighted how unresolved land disputes can escalate into deadly violence, even years after the original conflict.
