Karnal (Haryana), April 18, 2026 — In a chilling incident of suspected gang rivalry and old enmity, a 25-year-old youth who was out on bail in a previous murder case was brutally gunned down by bike-borne assailants in Karnal’s Gondar village on Saturday evening.
The brazen shootout in the middle of a village square has triggered widespread panic and left the local community in a state of deep shock and tension.
The Ambush at the Village Square
According to the police and eyewitness accounts, the deceased has been identified as Suraj (25), a resident of Gondar village. The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 PM.
Suraj had reportedly left his house for some personal work. As he reached the chowk (square) near the street of the former village Sarpanch, three masked men suddenly arrived on a single motorcycle. According to Suraj’s brother, Shubham, and another local resident, Ran Singh, the attackers first assaulted Suraj with a brick to disorient him.
Immediately after, two of the masked attackers pulled out pistols and fired four rounds at point-blank range. Suraj sustained three bullet wounds—two in the chest and one in the head—and collapsed in a pool of blood.
The sudden gunfire caused absolute chaos and a stampede-like situation at the square. Following the attack, the assailants managed to flee the scene on their motorcycle. Upon receiving the tragic news, Suraj’s family rushed to the spot and immediately transported him to a nearby private hospital. However, attending doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Suspected Old Enmity
The family members of the deceased have alleged that the brutal murder is the result of a long-standing, deep-rooted rivalry.
Police records confirm that Suraj was previously arrested and incarcerated in connection with the high-profile ‘Kapil Murder Case‘ that took place in November 2019. He had recently been released on bail. The victim’s family strongly suspects that the rival faction orchestrated this hit as an act of revenge, deliberately attempting to ruin the peaceful atmosphere of the village.
Massive Police Manhunt Launched
Following the shootout, a heavy police deployment was rushed to Gondar village to maintain law and order. Superintendent of Police (SP) Narender Bijarnia, along with teams from the Nissing Police Station, the CIA (Crime Investigation Agency), and FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory), arrived at the crime scene to collect crucial evidence.
Nissing Police Station In-charge Krishan Kumar stated that an FIR has been officially registered, and the body has been taken into custody for a post-mortem examination.
“We are scanning the CCTV cameras in the vicinity,” Kumar informed the press. “Initial footage shows the three masked suspects fleeing towards the Dachar area. Their faces are covered, and we are currently tracing their exact escape route.”
The Karnal police have formed three dedicated teams to track down the assailants and are conducting extensive raids across the district to ensure their swift arrest.
