CCTV footage of the incident shows one assailant entering the shop and firing at close range, while a person inside shields himself with a chair. Witnesses said the attackers initially fired indiscriminately in the air, brandishing pistols and country-made firearms, before focusing on Mahavir Jain’s shop.
Following the attack, traders in Sadar Bazaar closed their shops in protest, expressing fear over safety in the market. Local authorities, including SP Gwalior Dharmveer Singh and SP Anu Beniwal, reached the scene to calm traders and assess the situation. Police have identified the bike-borne attackers and set up multiple citywide checkpoints.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions after police reportedly caught criminal Kapil Yadav in a brief encounter earlier on Monday. Yadav’s family alleged that the encounter occurred at the behest of Mahavir Jain, further fueling unrest.
Authorities are investigating whether the attack was linked to personal vendettas following the encounter or other criminal motives. Police have intensified patrolling in commercial areas and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify all participants involved.
Traders and residents have expressed concern over repeated security lapses, calling for stricter surveillance and preventive measures in crowded markets. The police have assured strict action against those responsible and urged traders to resume business while maintaining vigilance.
The firing has reignited debate over market security in Gwalior, emphasizing the need for coordinated action to prevent such violent incidents in commercial hubs.
