Saharanpur (UP), February 8 One person was killed and two others sustained serious gunshot wounds in what police described as a shootout over a land dispute in the Behat police station area on Sunday.
According to police, the incident occurred when representatives from the two parties involved in the dispute had gathered to discuss a possible settlement over the contested piece of land.
During the talks, one side allegedly opened fire at the other party, injuring three people.
One of them, identified as Shivam (22), died from his injuries, while the other two are receiving treatment, and their injuries are reportedly serious, officials said.
Senior police officials rushed to the scene after receiving information, and a significant force was deployed to maintain order, they said, adding that the situation is being constantly monitored.
Station House Officer (SHO) Akshat Sharma said that Pankaj Sharma, a resident of Gurugram in Haryana, had scheduled a meeting around 4 pm on Sunday at Shivalik Farm House to resolve the issue. However, before the talks could begin, the other party allegedly opened fire.
"Sharma has alleged that Sunil, Shakti Singh, and Ajay Singh opened fire, resulting in Shivam's death and serious injuries to two others. He claimed that the accused were attempting to illegally take possession of the land, which he said has been owned by his family since 2012 and is registered in his wife's name," the SHO said.
Sharma has claimed that the accused had prepared a forged agreement related to the land with the intent of depriving him of his share, after an earlier dispute over profit-sharing in another venture, the officer said.
Police personnel have been deployed at the spot as a precautionary measure, and the matter is being investigated, he added.
