CHANDIGARH: A high-tension operation unfolded on the outskirts of Chandigarh on Thursday morning, June 18, 2026, as two primary suspects in the recent high-profile murder of a chemist shop cashier attempted a brazen escape from police custody.
The Incident
The two suspects, identified as Sunny Mehra and Aryan Sharma, were being transported to Chandigarh under transit remand following their arrest in the Jammu region. According to preliminary reports, the police vehicle was traveling near the Panjab University forest area in Sector 25 around 6:00 AM when it met with an accident, colliding with a tree.
Seizing the confusion caused by the crash—which resulted in one police officer being thrown from the vehicle—the suspects reportedly gained access to a fallen service pistol. They allegedly opened fire at the accompanying police team in a desperate attempt to flee the scene.
Police Retaliation
A police tactical team, led by Inspector Harinder Singh Sekhon of the Operations Cell and Inspector Narinder Patial of the Crime Branch, responded immediately to the threat. In the ensuing exchange of fire, both suspects sustained gunshot wounds to their legs. They were swiftly overpowered by the authorities and placed back under secure custody.
Both the suspects and a police constable, who sustained a neck injury during the vehicle collision, were rushed to the Government Multi-Speciality Hospital (GMSH) in Sector 16. Officials have confirmed that the suspects are in stable condition and are currently under medical observation.
Context: The Sector-11 Murder Case
The arrests are linked to the chilling daylight murder of 45-year-old Janki Das, a cashier at Shri Kumar Medicos in Sector 11. On June 13, 2026, the victim was shot multiple times at point-blank range by masked gunmen who posed as customers. The brutal nature of the crime, captured on CCTV, triggered city-wide outrage and placed immense pressure on the Chandigarh Police to apprehend the perpetrators.
Ongoing Investigation
While the primary shooters are now in custody, the police investigation remains active. Authorities have identified a third suspect believed to be involved in the crime and are currently conducting search operations to track him down.
“We are investigating all angles, including potential gang involvement,” said a senior official. The police are expected to produce the apprehended suspects before a local court as soon as they are medically cleared.
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