A garment trader who was seriously wounded in a shooting in India’s Gujarat state was allegedly targeted over a long-running business dispute originating in Fiji, according to Indian police.
The Times of India reports that Vadodara Police have arrested two men from Chhattisgarh, alleging the attack was a contract killing planned after weeks of surveillance.
The victim, 37-year-old was shot in the shoulder near Waghodia Chokdi on the night of June 26 while returning home from his garment shop. He remains seriously injured.
Vadodara Range Inspector General of Police Sandeep Singh said investigators examined more than 2,000 CCTV recordings and followed human and technical leads to identify the suspects and uncover the alleged conspiracy.
Police claim the two accused travelled to Vadodara on multiple occasions during June to monitor Bakoliya’s movements before carrying out the attack.
According to investigators, the victim had previously worked as a financial manager for a company in Fiji and was involved in a long-standing business dispute while employed there.
The Times of India and other media organisations have named the company and the Fiji businessman.
Police allege the dispute was the motive behind the shooting.
Authorities also claim the operation was funded through bank transfers covering travel, accommodation and weapons procurement. Investigators estimate that about FJD$5,900 (approximately ₹272,000) was transferred to support the alleged plot.
Vadodara Rural Superintendent of Police Sushil Agrawal said the investigation, conducted under Operation Parakram, involved 10 police teams from the Local Crime Branch, Special Operations Group and local police stations.
Police allege one suspect drove the motorcycle while the other fired the shot. The pair allegedly wore helmets and face coverings to conceal their identities.
Investigators recovered a pistol, two magazines and 10 rounds of ammunition believed to have been used in the attack.
One of the accused also allegedly had travel booked to Fiji on July 7, prompting police to issue a lookout notice to prevent him from leaving India.
Indian police say the investigation is continuing and emphasised that allegations regarding the motive, financial transactions and any other individuals linked to the case remain part of an ongoing investigation.
