Cashier shot dead at Chandigarh chemist shop

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Chandigarh, June 13

A 45-year-old pharmacy cashier was shot dead in broad daylight inside a busy chemist shop in Chandigarh’s Sector 11 on Saturday, in an attack that unfolded in front of customers and was captured on CCTV cameras.

Police said two masked men entered the shop shortly before 2:30pm and approached the cash counter where the victim, Janki Das, was working. CCTV footage shows the pair standing near the counter before one of them pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and opened fire at close range.

Investigators said 13 rounds were fired, leaving Das critically injured. He died at the scene.

Das, originally from Himachal Pradesh, had been living in Chandigarh’s Dhanas area.

According to police, the gunmen escaped on a motorcycle. A third accomplice was waiting outside the shop to facilitate their getaway.

The shooting took place in one of the city’s busiest market areas, which is lined with chemist shops and attracts heavy footfall due to its proximity to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER). Several customers were inside the store when the attack occurred.

Speaking to reporters at the scene, Chandigarh SSP Sumer Pratap Singh said investigators were examining all possible motives behind the killing.

“It is too early to draw any conclusions. Investigations are at a preliminary stage, and we are exploring all angles,” Singh said when asked whether extortion or a gangster link was being considered.

He added that the shop owner had not reported receiving any threats before the incident.

Police said multiple teams have been formed to identify and arrest those responsible. CCTV footage from the area is being analysed and further investigations are under way.