3 dead as SUV rams into them in Haryana; illegal mining dispute suspected

CHANDIGARH: Three friends were killed after being allegedly run over by a black Scorpio SUV in Haryana's Panipat district, with their families claiming the incident was a premeditated murder linked to an illegal mining dispute rather than a road accident.The incident occurred around 9 pm on Wednesday on the Dikadla Aata Road in the Samalkha area of Panipat. The victims were identified as Narendra Gahlayan, 46, a property dealer, Vinod, 48, and Anip, 36, all residents of the area.According to the complaint lodged by the victims' families, Narendra had allegedly been at odds with several local residents who suspected him of informing authorities about illegal mining activities. The information reportedly led to the seizure of trolleys and dumpers during a recent crackdown by the mining department.Family members alleged that the accused had previously threatened Narendra and later carried out the attack in retaliation. They claimed the suspects deliberately rammed the SUV into the three men while they were standing by the roadside and then attempted to pass off the incident as a traffic accident.Police have registered a murder case at Samalakha police station based on the complaint. The black Scorpio allegedly used in the attack has been recovered and was found to have sustained significant damage.According to investigators, Narendra returned from Haridwar on the evening of June 10 and later met his friend Vinod. The two were travelling on a scooter to nearby fields when they encountered Anip. The three were reportedly talking near the roadside when the SUV allegedly struck them.Narendra and Anip died on the spot, while Vinod succumbed to his injuries while being taken to a hospital in Panipat.In his complaint, Narendra's brother Omvir Gahlayan stated that the injured Narendra briefly regained consciousness and identified several individuals whom he accused of intentionally targeting him due to the ongoing dispute. Narendra allegedly told family members that he earlier received threats over the mining issue.Police said an investigation is underway to verify the allegations and identify all those involved in the case.