Gurugram, India – A dispute over attempting to take alcohol without payment led to a violent attack on a local liquor store’s staff by a group of over 30 individuals on the night of Feb. 15 in Gurugram, India. The brazen attack, documented by surveillance cameras within the establishment, unfolded when six individuals initially entered the shop under the pretext of purchasing alcohol. However, their seemingly routine transaction took a turn when, after procuring five bottles, they paid for only one, prompting a dispute with the store’s attendant.
The situation escalated rapidly, with the agitated group assaulting the salesman and subsequently demanding an extortion amount of Rs 5 lakh (about $6,000) from the store owner, Rajesh Kumar. The entire episode took a more sinister turn as an additional 25 individuals joined the fray, wielding sticks and sharp weapons, resulting in critical injuries to the shop owner’s associate, Sachin Kataria, and colleagues Abhimanyu and Deepak. The assailants fled after leaving their motorcycles at the scene, prompting Kumar to file a detailed police complaint.
The registration of a first information report (FIR) at the Shivaji Nagar Police Station led to charges being filed under Sections 147, 149, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which address involvement in riots, being part of an unlawful assembly, and engaging in criminal intimidation. Inspector Sandeep Kumar, the Station House Officer (SHO) at Shivaji Nagar police station, has assured the public that efforts are underway to swiftly identify and apprehend the culprits responsible for the act.
The shocking incident highlights the need for increased security measures and protocols within the liquor industry to ensure the safety of staff and customers. The aggressive nature of the attack also underscores the potential dangers faced by those working in retail establishments, especially in situations involving disputes over transactions. The ongoing investigation by authorities in Gurugram will hopefully lead to the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible, bringing justice to the victims of this distressing incident.