Father-son duo gunned down in UP Market, key accused shot dead by mob

A trader and his son were shot dead in a brazen attack in a busy market in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district, while one of the attackers was also killed after being shot amid the chaos that followed the incident.

The victims, identified as Sohanlal Agrawal and his son Vikas Agrawal, were targeted by three masked gunmen who arrived at their shop at around 5:50 pm on Tuesday. Police believe the killings were the result of a long-running feud dating back more than a decade.

According to the police, the assailants fired multiple rounds at the father-son duo from close range.

The attack unfolded in front of dozens of shoppers and traders during peak business hours. As gunshots rang out, panic swept through the market. The attackers attempted to flee the scene.

Sohanlal's brother, Deepak, who was in a nearby shop, rushed outside along with other locals. While some people tried to help the injured victims, others chased the attackers through the crowded streets.

One of the suspects, later identified as Varun Lohari, was caught by enraged locals. He was later taken to a hospital, where it was found that he, too, had suffered a gunshot wound. He eventually died during treatment.

Police are investigating who shot Varun, with a viral mobile phone video reportedly capturing the moments after he collapsed near a petrol pump. Two gunshots can be heard in the footage, prompting investigators to examine whether someone in the crowd opened fire on the suspect.

The entire attack was captured on CCTV cameras, which recorded the assailants arriving at the market and opening fire on the victims.

According to the Agarwals, Varun and his brother, Kapil Lohari, allegedly used to indulge in extortion activities in the market in the past. The traders' family owns several shops there.

In July 2015, a shooting incident broke out at the marketplace when Varun and Kapil arrived there. While Kapil was killed in the shoot-out, Varun was later jailed in connection with an extortion case and eventually moved to Haridwar after his release.

Investigators suspect that Varun recently returned to Baghpat, conducted reconnaissance of the area, and then carried out the attack with two accomplices. His aides managed to escape the scene amid the confusion and remain at large.

Police have formed ten teams to track down the duo. The police investigation is focused on both the murders of Sohanlal and Vikas and the circumstances surrounding Varun's death.

The killings triggered widespread outrage across the area. Traders shut down the market in protest, and demonstrators briefly blocked a major road demanding swift action against those responsible.

The tragedy has left the Agrawal family devastated. Vikas had gotten married six months ago and his wife is reportedly two months pregnant.