BJP functionary alleges gun attack at petrol pump, Rs 2cr extortion threat

Gurdaspur: BJP functionary Vijay Soni has claimed that he narrowly escaped a gun attack at his petrol pump in Gurdaspur late Wednesday night, with the assailants following up the firing with a WhatsApp message demanding Rs 2 crore and warning that the attack was "just a trailer".Soni, convener of the BJP's district trade cell, said he was tallying the day's cash at his petrol pump on Bhagwanpur Road when two men on a motorcycle arrived and opened fire. He claimed multiple shots were fired in his direction.According to Soni, he immediately drew his licensed revolver and fired back at the attackers, who fled the spot. A few bullets also struck his vehicle parked at the petrol pump during the exchange.Shortly after the attack, Soni said he received a WhatsApp message allegedly from the assailants, warning that the firing was merely a "trailer" and that the "full film" would be shown after 10 days if a ransom of Rs 2 crore was not paid.Police teams rushed to the spot and launched an investigation. A case has been registered against unidentified assailants. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area as well as the threatening WhatsApp message.Superintendent of police (investigation) Sandeep Kumar said police had developed strong leads in the case. "We are investigating all angles and expect to crack the case soon," he said.