A scientist working at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, died after a parking dispute near his residence in Sector 67 turned violent. According to news agency IANS, the scientist named Abhishek Swarnkar, a resident of West Bengal, was on dialysis and recently underwent a kidney transplant. He was living with his parents in rented accommodation.
Swarnkar is survived by his elderly parents and two married sisters. Reportedly, one of the sisters donated a kidney to him. The victim’s family has accused Monty, an IT professional, of assaulting him despite knowing about his health conditions.
The incident took place on Tuesday night, and the crime was captured on CCTV. A complaint has been lodged in the matter.
“An autopsy will be conducted today, and appropriate legal action will be taken on its basis,” a police official said as quoted by news agency IANS.
According to the police, the argument broke out at 8.30 p.m. and soon escalated. Witnesses said Monty first abused Swarnkar before pinning him to the ground and repeatedly punching him. When Abhishek lost consciousness, Monty rushed him to a private hospital, and en route, he allegedly hit a car.
Earlier, Swarnkar worked in the US and returned to India due to his ill health. Station House Officer Gagandeep Singh said a case had been registered on the family’s complaint. Abhishek Swarnkar’s research paper was recently published in the prestigious Journal of Science. IISER expressed sorrow over his death and said, “We have lost a brilliant mind. Such an act of violence is unacceptable, and strict action should be taken against the accused.”