Fiji Steel Firm Owner Allegedly Hired Hitmen to Kill Vadodara Businessman; Two Arrested From Chhattisgarh
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Police have arrested two men from Chhattisgarh for allegedly opening fire on a Vadodara cloth trader last week, claiming the attack was a contract killing allegedly orchestrated by the owner of a steel company in Fiji, where the victim had previously worked.
Investigators said the accused were arrested following an extensive investigation involving the Local Crime Branch (LCB), Special Operations Group (SOG) and Varnama Police.
Businessman shot while returning home
The incident took place last Friday night when cloth trader Ashish Madanlal Bakoliya was returning home after closing his shop.
According to police, two men on a motorcycle intercepted his car near Waghodia Chowkdi. The pillion rider allegedly opened fire, shattering the vehicle's window. The bullet struck Bakoliya in the shoulder before the assailants fled.
A case was subsequently registered at Varnama Police Station.
CCTV trail leads police to Chhattisgarh
Police said multiple teams examined CCTV footage across Vadodara.
The investigation first yielded a clear image of one of the suspects from a medical store's CCTV footage dated June 25. Further examination of surveillance cameras at the railway station helped investigators identify both suspects.
Using technical surveillance, police identified them as:
- Vikram Pratap Gopichandar Singh, resident of Bhilai, Durg district, Chhattisgarh.
- Gurjit Singh Gurudayal Singh Urne, also a resident of Bhilai.
Police teams travelled to Chhattisgarh, where both accused were arrested with assistance from the local police before being brought to Vadodara.
Alleged Fiji connection
During interrogation, police alleged that Bakoliya had earlier worked as a financial manager at Dayal Steel Company in Fiji, where he reportedly had a dispute with the company's owner, Jay Dayal, before returning to India.
Investigators alleged that Jay Dayal later paid Vikram Pratap Singh to eliminate Bakoliya and financed his travel to India.
Police claimed Vikram subsequently recruited Gurjit Singh as the shooter before the duo travelled to Vadodara and carried out the attack.
After the shooting, both accused allegedly returned by train.
Weapons recovered
Police said they recovered:
- One pistol.
- Two magazines.
- Ten live cartridges.
Suspect was due to return to Fiji
Investigators examined Vikram Pratap Singh's international travel records and found that he had arrived in India on April 20.
Police said he was scheduled to return to Fiji on July 7. A lookout notice was initiated to prevent him from leaving the country before his arrest.
Shooter has multiple criminal cases
Police said Gurjit Singh, also known as Gurmit Singh alias Bunty, has 19 criminal cases registered against him in Chhattisgarh.
The cases include allegations relating to:
- Assault.
- Robbery.
- Arms Act offences.
- Theft.
- Rioting.
Investigators alleged Vikram selected Gurjit because of his criminal background.
Stolen motorcycle used
According to police, the accused conducted surveillance on the businessman seven to eight times before the attack.
Investigators alleged they stole a motorcycle from Jharkhand and rode it for four days to reach Vadodara.
While in the city, they allegedly parked the motorcycle at the railway station parking area and used it during their movements.
Watched film before attack
Police said the investigation involved scrutiny of more than 2,000 CCTV cameras.
Investigators also claimed the accused watched the film Dhurandhar at Bansal Mall before carrying out the shooting on Waghodia Road the following day.
Motive still under investigation
Police said the exact motive behind the alleged contract killing is yet to be established.
Investigators alleged that the Fiji-based company owner transferred ₹2.72 lakh to Vikram Pratap Singh. Of this amount, Vikram allegedly agreed to pay ₹50,000 to Gurjit Singh for carrying out the shooting.
Police said further investigations are underway to ascertain the precise reason behind the alleged contract and whether there were additional conspirators involved.
