MOHALI: A 39-year-old scientist at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) died Tuesday night after an assault by his neighbour during a dispute over parking in Sector 66 of Mohali.
Abhishek Swarnkar, a native of Jharkhand, had worked abroad and returned to India due to health issues. The scientist had undergone a kidney transplant recently and was on dialysis. One of his two married sisters had donated a kidney to him.
He lived in a rented house in Mohali with his elderly parents. His family accused neighbour Monty, an IT professional, of brutally attacking him despite knowing about his fragile health. The altercation was captured on CCTV.
According to police, the argument broke out around 8.30pm and quickly escalated. Witnesses said Monty first abused Swarnkar before forcing him to the ground and repeatedly punching 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.”
Monty allegedly hit a car en route to a private hospital. Doctors declared Swarnkar dead on arrival.
Station house officer Gagandeep Singh said Wednesday that a case has been registered following the family’s complaint. “An autopsy will be conducted Thursday and appropriate legal action will follow,” he said.
Swarnkar was a distinguished scientist with research published in ‘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.