Foreign-returned scientist suffering from kidney failure killed over parking dispute in Mohali, neighbour arrested

A 39-year-old scientist from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) died Tuesday night after an alleged assault by his neighbour during a dispute over parking in Sector 66, Mohali. The police have registered a case following a complaint from the deceased’s family.

Incident captured on CCTV

The deceased, Abhishek Swarnkar, was a native of Jharkhand and had returned to India after working abroad. He had undergone a kidney transplant recently and was on dialysis. His family accused their neighbour, Monty, an IT professional, of attacking him despite knowing about his health condition. The altercation was captured on CCTV.

Attack led to unconsciousness

According to police, the argument started around 8.30pm and quickly turned violent. Witnesses reported that Monty first verbally abused Swarnkar before physically assaulting him.


“I heard loud shouting and rushed outside. I saw Monty attacking Abhishek, repeatedly punching him in the chest as he lay on the ground,” said Roma, a tenant in the locality. “When Abhishek lost consciousness, Monty panicked and rushed him to hospital.”

Hospital declared him dead on arrival

Monty allegedly hit a car on the way to a private hospital. Doctors declared Swarnkar dead on arrival.

Police action and autopsy

Station house officer Gagandeep Singh said Wednesday that legal action is being taken. “An autopsy will be conducted Thursday and appropriate legal action will follow,” he said.

IISER mourns loss

Swarnkar was a distinguished scientist with research published in the ‘Journal of Science.’ IISER expressed deep sorrow over his death. “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.