Punjab wrestler shot dead while bursting Diwali firecrackers outside home

A 27-year-old wrestler was allegedly shot dead by unidentified assailants while bursting firecrackers outside his house on Diwali night in Punjab's Kapurthala on Monday. The incident took place around 7.30 pm turning the family's festive celebrations into mourning.The deceased was identified as Mani alias Pehlwan, son of Bagga and a resident of Mohalla Mehtabgarh. According to preliminary information, the assailants opened fire at him, with a bullet hitting his chest. He collapsed on the spot following the shooting.Family members rushed Mani to the Civil Hospital in Kapurthala, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.According to his father, Bagga, Mani was a wrestler and had no known disputes or enmity with anyone. He was bursting firecrackers outside their house when some youths arrived and shot him. Mani had got married to a woman from Begowal just a few months ago. He is survived by his parents and four sisters. His father's grief-stricken condition at the hospital added to the family's tragedy.DSP Sheetal Singh reached the spot along with a police team after receiving information about the shooting. He confirmed that the youth had died after being shot. The police are recording statements of the family members, and further legal action will be taken based on their statements. Investigators are trying to establish the motive behind the killing and identify those responsible.The shooting has triggered panic in the area, with police continuing their investigation into the incident.- Ends