Businessman, accountant shot dead on way to bank in Narela

Traders protest after the murders. Amit Mehra

A businessman on his way to deposit Rs 80 lakh in the bank and his accountant were shot dead by bike-borne assailants in Narela Monday. Police said the assailants also opened fire at an assistant sub-inspector who tried to stop them and made off with a bag containing Rs 25 lakh in cash. The businessman’s driver also sustained injuries. Police said the incident took place around 10.30 am at Narela mandi. Wholesale dealer Pankaj Garg (35), his accountant Harish Bhatia (32), driver Amit Goel (36) and another accountant Rakesh Kumar were heading to the Bank of India on Bawana Road in an Eeco van. Police said Garg was carrying two bags with Rs 80 lakh in cash. Police said his regular driver didn’t show up on Monday, so Pankaj hired Amit.

DCP (Rohini) Rishi Pal said, “As they approached the bank, three men on a bike, with faces covered, stopped them. One opened fire and snatched one of the bags with Rs 25 lakh.” ASI Pawan Kumar Attri, posted at Narela station, was near the bank when he heard the gunshots. “The men opened fire but I escaped unhurt. I tried to follow them but they fled,” he said.

Pankaj’s brother-in-law, Sandeep, said that he is survived by his wife and two sons. Harish’s relative, Sunder Kumar, said: “He had been working for Pankaj’s family for the past four years.”

Police said Pankaj received three shots to the head and abdomen, while Harish was shot four times. Rakesh escaped unhurt while Amit sustained a bullet injury on his shoulder. Pankaj would deposit money in the bank every alternate day, police said, adding that they suspect the role of an insider. Police said Pankaj usually carried a gun to the bank, but did not have one on Monday.