IISER scientist dies after neighbor assaults him during parking dispute
What's the story
A 39-year-old scientist Abhishek Swarnkar lost his life following a dispute with his neighbor over parking at Mohali's Sector 66 on Tuesday.
The scientist associated with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) was allegedly pushed to the ground and beaten by his neighbor Monty.
Swarnkar had returned to India recently after working abroad, due to health complications.
He had a kidney transplant and was undergoing dialysis; one of his two sisters had donated him a kidney.
Health details
Swarnkar's health condition known to neighbor
His family alleges that, despite being aware of Swarnkar's health condition, Monty allegedly attacked him.
Following the assault, he was rushed to a hospital, but he died.
Video footage of the incident shows him collapsing to the ground after the attack.
Police said they had filed a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and were reviewing CCTV evidence to decide further actions.
Witness account
Eyewitness recounts the brutal attack
Eyewitness Roma, a tenant in the area, narrated the horrific incident in detail.
She said that she heard loud shouting and rushed outside to see Monty attacking Swarnkar who was already on the ground.
"I saw Monty attacking Abhishek, repeatedly punching him in the chest as he lay on the ground," Roma was quoted as saying by TOI.
"When Abhishek lost consciousness, Monty panicked and rushed him to hospital."
Accidental collision
Monty allegedly involved in car accident
In a hurry to reach the hospital, Monty allegedly hit a car en route. But doctors at the hospital declared Swarnkar dead on arrival.
Station House Officer Gagandeep Singh confirmed a case has been registered after the family's complaint, and an autopsy will be conducted soon.
"An autopsy will be conducted Thursday and appropriate legal action will follow," Singh said on Wednesday.
Institutional response
IISER mourns the loss of brilliant scientist
Swarnkar was a distinguished scientist with research published in international scientific journals.
IISER expressed deep sorrow at his demise. "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 its statement.
He worked in Switzerland before returning to India.