Jaipur, 15 November: In a startling incident in the early hours, two young men were shot and left bleeding on the streets of the Ghat Gate area of Jaipur. According to police and local reports, unidentified assailants opened fire near Ankur Cinema, leaving victims identified as Aftab and Shahid (alias “Dhaba”) critically wounded.
The incident occurred around midnight when a group of masked gunmen reportedly arrived on bikes and began indiscriminate shooting in the narrow lane outside the cinema complex, leaving stunned residents and passers-by in panic. The victims were rushed to SMS Hospital by nearby shopkeepers and residents.
Officials have raised concerns that the incident may hint at an escalating turf war between criminal groups operating in this part of the city. A senior officer said, “The nature of attack multiple shooters, quick escape, targeted youths points to gang rivalry rather than a random act of violence.”
Police sources indicate that several illegal firearms cartridges were found at the scene, and CCTV footage from the area is currently being scanned for clues. Nearby lanes have seen heightened tensions of late, and residents say they feared such a confrontation.
The district police commissioner has ordered an immediate high-profile crackdown. “We cannot allow these narrow-lane high-risk zones in Jaipur to become safe havens for gang-led violence,” the official added. Patrols have been intensified in and around Ghat Gate, and teams have been asked to collaborate with intelligence units to curb further flare-ups.
Businesses and local residents are being asked to cooperate, share footage, and stay alert. The incident underscores the growing challenge of managing urban violence in congested city areas where quick get-aways and block routes enable such attacks.
The two injured youths remain under critical care at SMS Hospital, and an FIR has been registered under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to attempt to murder and illegal firearms.