Punjab Newsline | Shimla
Investigation into the murder of Manisha Mittal, director of Saraswati Paradise International School in Sanjauli, Shimla, has intensified, with police yet to determine the exact motive behind the killing. Considering the sensitivity of the case, Shimla SSP Gaurav Singh has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to unravel the mystery behind the high-profile murder.
According to the preliminary investigation, two masked assailants opened fire on Manisha Mittal, shooting four rounds, three of which struck her head. Two bullets passed through her head, while another was recovered during the post-mortem examination. Police have also collected empty bullet shells from the crime scene as part of the forensic investigation.
Police said the incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Saturday when Manisha stepped out of the school premises to buy noodles for her daughter from a nearby shop. Her daughter was reportedly inside their residence, which Manisha had locked from the outside before leaving, as was her usual practice.
After purchasing the noodles, Manisha was returning through Gate No. 1 when the two masked attackers allegedly ambushed her and fired multiple shots, causing her to collapse on the spot. When she failed to return, her daughter repeatedly called her mobile phone but received no response.
Investigators said a security guard stationed on the opposite side of the gate was approaching to open it when the attack took place. The manner in which the assailants executed the shooting has led police to suspect that the crime was carefully planned after extensive surveillance of the victim's movements and routine.
Police are currently examining several possible motives, including property disputes, personal enmity, and other potential angles. Teams remained at the school campus on Sunday, scanning CCTV footage from the surrounding area and questioning local residents to gather crucial evidence.
Manisha Mittal was originally from Rohtak, Haryana, and was reportedly residing in Rewari before moving to Shimla. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not ruled out any possibility at this stage.
