A 35-year-old hotel owner was killed and three others injured when armed men opened fire at a hotel in Churu, Rajasthan, early on Monday. Police suspect the attack stems from a rivalry over the liquor business. Three suspects have been detained as investigations continue.
The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. at a hotel on Sandwa Road in Churu, which had opened on February 23. According to Churu Superintendent of Police Jai Yadav, three to four unidentified armed men arrived in a vehicle, entered the premises, and opened indiscriminate fire. The hotel owner, identified as Maniram Manda, was killed on the spot, while three others—Bhikharam, Shravan, and Prabhuram, all residents of Dadiba—sustained injuries.
The injured individuals were initially taken to a government hospital in Sujangarh and later referred to SMS Hospital in Jaipur, where they remain in critical condition. Yadav stated that preliminary investigations point to a past rivalry linked to the liquor trade. "The deceased identified as Maniram Manda and the attackers had been involved in liquor business for a long time. Both parties have applied for a bar in the same locality resulting in a dispute," he said. "During the initial probe, a dispute related to the liquor business has come to light. There was an ongoing rivalry with another group connected to the trade."
CCTV footage from the hotel, which has not been independently verified, shows three men with their faces covered by white pieces of cloth entering and firing at customers and staff at the counter. One customer attempted to retaliate by throwing an utensil at one of the shooters but was unable to stop them.
Police have recovered empty cartridges from the scene and sealed the hotel. They are examining CCTV footage from the hotel and nearby areas to identify the attackers. "We have also detained three suspects in the afternoon and are questioning them. Necessary action will be taken accordingly," Yadav added. Heavy police deployment has been made at the hospital as a precautionary measure.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reacted to the incident, criticizing the ruling BJP government. "The incident has rattled the entire Rajasthan. Traders are extremely scared. Such murders and shootout have been a common scene in the state. CM should pay more focus to the law and order situation," he said.
