Liquor baron Ponty, estranged brother killed in gun duel

55-year-old Ponty and his brother Hardeep, with whom he had a strained relationship due to property dispute, were shot at in their chests during the meeting at the former's farmhouse in Chhattarpur at around one pm. One of the guards also suffered injuries in the incident.

The three Chadha brothers -- Ponty, Hardeep and Rajinder -- were jointly managing the Rs 6,000-crore Wave Inc, formerly Chadha Group, which has diverse business interests in fields ranging from distilleries, multiplexes, sugar to paper mills, real estate, poultry and films.

Sources said Hardeep, along with his men, had gone to the farm house following a call from Ponty for a meeting to discuss the dispute over ownership of a property.

It started on a peaceful note but soon turned ugly, following which Hardeep allegedly opened fire at his brother, sources said.

This enraged the guards of Ponty who returned the fire in which Hardeep was killed, they said.

Both the groups opened fire at each other. After Hardeep opened fire, Ponty and guards from both sides also opened fire, the sources added.

Around 30-40 rounds were fired and police later recovered two pistols and empty cartridges from the scene.

Both the brothers were taken to hospitals where they were declared brought dead. Their bodies were shifted to AIIMS for post mortem. (more)