Father-son duo gunned down in broad daylight in UP, shooter dies hours later; CCTV video surfaces

BAGHPAT: A long-running rivalry erupted into bloodshed in UP's Baraut town on Tuesday when a tent trader and his son were shot dead at their shop in broad daylight, triggering protests and a market shutdown. The alleged shooter, identified by police as gangster Varun Lohari, was also injured during the incident and later died while undergoing treatment. Police said tent businessman Sohan Lal (55) and his son Vikas (30) were sitting at their shop in the Baraut area when Lohari allegedly opened fire on them around 6 pm. Both victims were rushed to a community health centre and later referred to the district hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Investigators suspect the killings were the culmination of a years-old feud between the two families. SP Suraj Kumar Rai said preliminary findings indicate the attack was linked to a long-standing dispute. Police have also come across records of earlier criminal cases involving the rival groups, including one dating back to 2015-16. According to police, Lohari himself sustained serious injuries during the the incident and died later that night while receiving treatment at a hospital. The investigation has revealed that tensions between the two sides had persisted for several years and intensified after criminal cases were registered against members of the rival camps. In 2023, properties linked to the Lohari faction were attached under the Gangsters Act, following which the family reportedly shifted from Baghpat to Dehradun. Police said Lohari had come to Baraut on Tuesday in connection with a court appearance when the violence unfolded. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence to piece together the exact sequence of events and determine how Lohari was injured. The double murder sparked outrage among local traders, who shut markets and staged protests demanding swift action. Heavy police deployment was made across Baraut as a precautionary measure. Officials said the situation is now under control and expressed confidence that the remaining accused would soon be arrested. (With PTI inputs)