Samir Kadri (25) was shot dead barely 20 metres from the court when he suddenly emerged from the crowd and aimed a revolver at Gaffar Chikna (30). Police were escorting Chikna to their jeep after securing his remand from court, when the undertrial's wife Sophia, who had come to meet her husband, spotted Kadri and screamed. Chikna ducked even as Sub-Inspector Sunil Mane fired at Kadri thrice, wounding him in the chest. Kadri died before being admitted to Bhabha Hospital. ``I don't know from where Kadri emerged. He was probably hiding among the busy afternoon crowd near the court,'' Mane told Express Newsline.

Chikna, a member of the Chhota Shakeel gang, has been charged in more than 20 cases and was arrested by the Nirmal Nagar police for murder in a case unrelated to the murder ofSamir's father, Zainuddin Kadri (70). His near-fatal mistake, police say, was his attempt to introduce Samir to the world of crime. However, it cost the senior Kadri his life. His efforts to wean his son away from Chikna had angered the undertrial, who therefore allegedly murdered him on August 21. In a twist of irony, Samir consequently joined the Chhota Rajan gang, ostensibly to avenge his father's death, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone -VII) K L Prasad. Samir, a resident of Oshiwara, himself has two cases pending against him. He has been charged with attempt to murder and under the Arms Act.

Today's incident caused quite a stir in the vicinity, which is located near the railway station. Relatives of undertrials and lawyers around the court compound add to the general hustle and bustle.

However, the driver of a car parked about 23 feet from where Kadri was shot dead had a fortuitous escape. Reclining in his seat while catching forty winks, Fathay was jolted to reality by the burst ofgunfire. Fortunately, the door of his vehicle spared him from injury. Still a little shaken, he told Express Newsline that it all happened in a flash. All he saw was a man (Kadri) slumping to the ground, he said.