Chandigarh: More than three days after the murder of a chemist shop cashier in Sector 11, Chandigarh Police are yet to arrest the shooters, despite deploying 10 teams. Rumours about the detention of one assailant surfaced but were not confirmed by police.Investigators have identified the weapon used in the crime as a Turkish-made Zigana 9mm pistol — reportedly used for the first time in a Chandigarh case. Sources said a similar firearm, priced up to Rs 8 lakh in the international market, had earlier been linked to the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.The probe has revealed that the accused hail from Rajouri district in Jammu & Kashmir. Two police teams are currently in Rajouri and other parts of J&K searching for the three suspects — identified as Sunny, Aman and Aryan. One of them had reportedly worked at a Delhi restaurant for two months without visiting home during that period.Police found that the shooters had stayed at a hotel in Kajheri, where they submitted Aadhaar cards and mobile numbers at check-in. The IDs carried Rajouri addresses. As per records, the trio checked in around 2.30pm on Friday, went out in the evening, and checked out at 12.55pm on Saturday after paying Rs 800. Hotel records have been seized.Family members of the accused are being questioned, while call detail records of their relatives and associates are being analysed.Raids in 4 states/UTsWith the J&K link emerging, investigators are also probing the gangster network behind the attack and who assigned the contract. Unlike past cases involving Punjab-based shooters, this case points to operatives from outside the state.Given the gravity of the case, DGP Sagar Preet Hooda is personally supervising the probe. On his directions, the operation cell, district crime cell and crime branch are jointly conducting raids across Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi, Punjab and Haryana to nab the accused.Shopkeepers up the guardFollowing the incident, shopkeepers in the Sector 11 medical market have tightened security, displaying notices barring entry to anyone wearing masks, helmets or with covered faces. Traders say fear has escalated, especially after reports of extortion threats to chemists over the past two days.
