A 39-year-old scientist from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) lost his life on Tuesday night after a violent fight with his neighbour over a parking issue in Sector 66, Mohali.
The scientist Abhishek Swarnkar was originally from Jharkhand. He had returned to India after working abroad, mainly due to health problems. He had recently undergone a kidney transplant and was on dialysis. One of his two married sisters had donated a kidney to help him.
Swarnkar lived with his elderly parents in a rented house. His family accused their neighbour Monty, an IT professional, of attacking him even knowing about his fragile health. The entire incident was caught on CCTV.
Fight caught on camera
The fight broke out around 8:30 pm. According to witnesses, Monty first verbally abused Swarnkar before pushing him to the ground and hitting him repeatedly.
“I heard loud shouting and rushed outside. I saw Monty attacking Abhishek, repeatedly punching him in the chest as he lay on the ground,” said Roma, a tenant in the area. “When Abhishek lost consciousness, Monty panicked and rushed him to the hospital.”
On the way to the hospital, Monty reportedly hit a car. Doctors declared Swarnkar dead on arrival.
Police investigation underway
Station House Officer Gagandeep Singh confirmed that a case has been filed based on the family’s complaint. “An autopsy will be conducted Thursday, and appropriate legal action will follow,” he stated.
IISER mourned the loss of their scientist. “We have lost a brilliant mind. Such an act of violence is unacceptable, and strict action should be taken against the accused,” the institute said in a statement.
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