Wrestler Mani Shot Dead Outside Home in Kapurthala on Diwali Nightਦਿਵਾਲੀ ਦੀ ਰਾਤ ਕਪੂਰਥਲਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਹਿਲਵਾਨ ਮਣੀ ਦੀ ਗੋਲੀ ਮਾਰ ਕੇ ਹੱਤਿਆ

A 27-year-old wrestler was shot dead outside his home in Kapurthala while bursting Diwali firecrackers on Monday night, in a killing police believe may have been a case of mistaken identity.

Mani, a local-level wrestler from Mohalla Mehtabgarh, was hit in the chest when two shots were fired at about 7.30 pm on 9 November. His friends rushed him to hospital on a scooter, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. Police recovered two empty cartridges from the spot.

What happened on Monday night

Mani was bursting firecrackers near his house in Mohalla Mehtabgarh, in the City police station area, when two shots were fired with a pistol, according to reports. One bullet struck him in the chest. His friends said he was not breathing, but they still rushed him to hospital on a scooter. He died before he could be treated.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sheetal Singh reached the spot with a police team soon after the shooting. A case was registered on the complaint of Mani's family, and statements of family members and witnesses were being recorded.

Who was Mani?

Mani, son of Bagga Singh, was a local-level wrestler who lived in Mohalla Mehtabgarh. He had married about six months ago, to a woman from Begowal, and was the only brother among four sisters. He is survived by his parents and his four sisters.

His father told reporters that Mani had no known disputes or enemies, and the family had been celebrating Diwali when the shooting happened. Neighbours described Mani as well regarded in the locality, and residents said the killing had left the area shaken.

What police have said

Police said Mani had no known dispute with the accused, and that the bullet which hit him was allegedly fired at someone else. DSP Sheetal Singh said several police teams were conducting raids to arrest the accused, whose identities had been established. He said the complete sequence of events would become clear after the arrests.

Police have stepped up their presence in the area to reassure residents, and the investigation is continuing. No arrests had been reported at the time of filing.

When did the shooting happen?

On Monday night, 9 November, at about 7.30 pm, while Mani was bursting Diwali firecrackers outside his home in Mohalla Mehtabgarh, Kapurthala.

Who was Mani?

Mani, 27, was a local-level wrestler from Mohalla Mehtabgarh in Kapurthala. He had married about six months ago and was the only brother among four sisters.

Have police arrested anyone?

No arrests had been reported. Police said they had identified the accused and several teams were conducting raids.

Why do police think Mani was hit by mistake?

Police said Mani had no known dispute with the accused and the bullet was allegedly fired at someone else. The full sequence of events will become clear after the arrests, police said.