The shooters behind Chandigarh's most audacious daylight murder in recent years managed to remain in the city for hours after executing a chemist shop cashier in a crowded Sector 11 market. They escaped through multiple states using public transport and a stolen motorcycle, and travelled nearly 500 kilometres to Jammu and Kashmir before being tracked down by Chandigarh Police in a meticulously reconstructed interstate manhunt.
According to The Tribune, the startling escape route, pieced together through CCTV footage, hotel records and technical surveillance, has emerged as one of the most significant revelations in the investigation into the June 13 murder of 45-year-old cashier Janki Das, who was gunned down inside Shree Kumar Medical Shop amid fears of gangster-linked extortion.
How the Accused Escaped from Sector 11 to Jammu and Kashmir
The escape trail shows that the killers did not flee immediately. They remained in Chandigarh for hours after the murder before beginning their journey. They used a stolen motorcycle and public transport to move through multiple states, covering nearly 500 kilometers before reaching Jammu and Kashmir.
As reported by The Tribune on X, the killers used a stolen motorcycle as part of their escape plan. The police investigation relied heavily on technical surveillance and hotel records to track their movements across state lines.
Police Investigation and Manhunt
Chandigarh Police reconstructed the entire escape route by analyzing CCTV footage from multiple locations. They also used hotel records to trace where the accused stayed during their journey. Technical surveillance played a key role in tracking the suspects across state borders.
The investigation revealed that the murder was not a random act of violence. The cashier was killed amid fears of gangster-linked extortion, making the case even more serious for law enforcement agencies.
Our Take: A Wake-Up Call for Interstate Policing
This case shows how criminals can move quickly across state borders using simple methods like public transport and stolen vehicles. The fact that the accused remained in Chandigarh for hours after the murder raises serious questions about the initial police response. In our view, this case highlights the urgent need for better coordination between state police forces. A 500-kilometer escape trail should not be possible in an age of digital surveillance. While the police eventually caught the accused, the system failed to prevent the escape in the first place. Citizens deserve faster and more effective policing, especially in cases involving gangster-linked violence in public spaces.