Property dealer shot dead in Sonipat, Rohit Godara gang claims responsibility
A property dealer was shot dead outside his office in Haryana's Sonipat district, on Friday. The victim, identified as Bijender Pehal, was riddled with bullets by unidentified assailants who fled the scene after carrying out the attack.
The assailants opened fire outside Bijender Pehal's office on Rohtak Road, killing him on the spot. The incident triggered panic in the area as the attackers escaped immediately after the shooting.
Sonipat Police reached the spot and launched an investigation. Senior police officials and a Crime Branch team also arrived at the scene to examine the circumstances surrounding the murder.
Meanwhile, the Rohit Godara gang has claimed responsibility for the killing through a social media post. A message attributed to Virender Charan, purportedly on behalf of the Arvind Gilli Rana and Rohit Godara groups, claimed that they had orchestrated the murder of Bijender, also known as Nanha Pehal.
In the post, Virender Charan wrote, "Greetings to all brothers. I, Virender Charan, on behalf of the Arvind Gilli Rana and Rohit Godara groups, want to say that we carried out the killing of Bijender alias Nanha Pehal on Rohtak Road in Gohana today. We take responsibility for this murder."
The post further alleged that Bijender had attacked their associate Rampal Baroda in 2021, leaving him injured. It claimed that around 10 days later, when Rampal was returning after receiving treatment at a hospital, he was attacked again, during which his hands and legs were broken.
Claiming that the murder was revenge for the attacks on their associate, the post said that they had settled the score with those responsible.
The message also issued a threat to their alleged opponents, warning them to remain prepared and keep funeral arrangements ready outside their homes.- Ends
Kamaljit Sandhu is an award winning journalist working as Deputy Editor in India Today. She has nearly two decades of experience as a full time TV journalist. She covers "conflict" regions, Internal security matters, MEA and Parliament. Her work has often led to crisscrossing the country. She has also traveled to Pakistan and Iran, in pursuit of news stories. In 2019, she received the ENBA Award for best news programming for her ground report on "surviving Bastar" which was based on the government's policy on inducting tribals in Crpf in chattisgarh to counter naxals.
Personal interests: Kamaljit likes travelling, interior decoration and playing scrabble, Has varied interests in sporting activities like swimming, badminton and Yoga.
