UP: Shopkeeper shot at by local goons after he refused to sell them tobacco during lockdown in Meerut

In times when police are implementing strict lockdown in view of coronavirus,there are many who are under the impression that they are above the law.

In a horrific incident, a shopkeeper was shot at by local goons after he declined to sell them tobacco in the time of the lockdown in a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut.

The incident happened in Bhainsa village which comes under Mawana police station in Meerut on Thursday. The complainant stated that the goons gathered outside his shop after he denied them tobacco in view of the lockdown.

"My shop was closed when Lokendra came and demanded tobacco. I told him that we have run out of tobacco but he insisted and indulged in an argument and threatened me. Later, he went to his home and came back with nearly 10 persons," Alishan said.

"At least 7 to 8 persons with weapons and pistols in their hands gathered around my shop. Some of them fired at least three rounds at the entrance of my house gate. The bullets made a big hole in the gate. We fortunately escaped unhurt," the complainant added.

The police said that they are acting on a compliant lodged by the victim and have now filed an FIR.

"We have filed a case against three men. They have been booked under Section 307 (attempt to murder), 504 (Whoever intentionally insults, and thereby gives provocation to any person) and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Arrests will be made soon in the case," said Rajesh Kumar, Investigating Officer in the case.

The goons have been identified as Lokendra, Shubham and Guddu. According to a source at the Mawana police station one of them (Guddu) is already facing a rape case against him.

Also Read: Hyderabad: Man upset over wife tested COVID-19 positive; set vehicles ablaze