Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal

Bhopal, Sep 20: A 21-year-old youth was shot dead allegedly by his friend in broad daylight on Sunday morning while riding a motorcycle in the Housing Board Colony area under Nishatpura police station limits here.

The accused, who was riding pillion, allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired at point-blank range at the head of the victim, who was seated in the middle. The deceased was identified as Ikhlas alias Tashi, a resident of Housing Board Colony who worked as a painter.

According to police, Tashi was travelling with his friend Aleem alias Allu and another youth to go fishing. The third companion was riding the motorcycle, with Tashi seated in the middle and Aleem behind him.

During the ride, Aleem allegedly took out a pistol, pressed it against Tashi’s head and fired. The bullet hit Tashi, causing the motorcycle to go out of control and crash onto the road. Tashi died on the spot.

After the shooting, Aleem allegedly threatened the motorcycle rider with the pistol, forced him to continue riding and took him to Sindhi Colony before fleeing. The terrified rider later returned to the spot and alerted the police.

Nishatpura police, along with senior officers, reached the scene, took the body into custody and sent it to Hamidia Hospital for post-mortem. A murder case has been registered, and a search has been launched for the absconding accused.

Police investigations revealed that the two friends had a dispute around 15 days ago over a woman. The quarrel had turned violent, during which Tashi suffered a fractured hand.

Although the matter was later settled amicably, police suspect that Aleem continued to harbour a grudge, which may have led to the murder.

Police are searching possible hideouts of the accused and examining the circumstances surrounding the earlier altercation. Officials said the investigation is focusing on the alleged old enmity as the motive behind the killing.