Panchkula police have arrested Sameer Khan, a key accused in the Amaravati Mall murder case, officials confirmed Wednesday evening. Sameer, residing on rent in Saini Mohalla, Pinjore, was apprehended during a police raid.
The incident occurred on the night of June 5 when 20-year-old Sonu Noltha was shot dead outside Amaravati Mall in Pinjore town, Panchkula district. Sonu’s cousin, Nitin (alias Prince), was critically injured in the attack. Both had gone to watch a movie with friends when two assailants, Piyush and Ankush, approached Sonu’s SUV and opened indiscriminate fire on the vehicle’s driver side. Sonu was fatally hit and died on the spot; Prince sustained a gunshot wound to his leg.
Investigations revealed Sameer’s close association with Piyush Piplani and Ankush Solanki, with whom he allegedly conspired to commit the murder to assert control in the area. The accused conducted prior reconnaissance in a Nexon car to plan the attack.
Following the shooting, the assailants posted a video of the crime on social media. Police traced the video’s IP address and tracked the suspects. During their escape, one assailant accidentally injured Piyush. The suspects abandoned their getaway vehicle near PGIMER Chandigarh, where police recovered the car and an empty bullet shell.
Eight special police teams, alongside the SIT, are conducting raids in Himachal Pradesh (including Baddi and Parwanoo), Chandigarh, and Mohali. The police are also scrutinizing bank accounts, call logs, and digital activities connected to the suspects. Close associates and relatives are under intense questioning to gather further evidence.
Sameer was produced in court and remanded to five days of police custody. Victim Nitin identified him in court as involved in the attack. Authorities are now relying on Sameer’s interrogation to apprehend the remaining accused.
A case under charges of murder and violations of the Arms Act has been registered at Pinjore police station. Forensic experts continue to analyze technical evidence to strengthen the prosecution’s case.
