IISER Scientist Dies After Brutal Assault Over Parking Dispute in Mohali

Mohali- Dr. Abhishek Swarnkar, a 39-year-old scientist at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, died after being assaulted over a parking dispute in Sector 67. The accused, identified as Monty, allegedly attacked Swarnkar after he warned that he would file a complaint regarding continuous harassment over parking.

According to Swarnkar’s mother, Malti Devi, tensions escalated on Tuesday night after Monty and his family objected to where Swarnkar had parked his bike. When Swarnkar mentioned filing a complaint, Monty reportedly shouted, “Tu complain karega?” before pushing him to the ground and assaulting him. Swarnkar, who had recently undergone a kidney transplant, collapsed during the altercation and was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

Originally from Jharkhand’s Dhanbad, Dr. Swarnkar was a distinguished scientist whose work had been published in international journals. He had previously worked in the US, Switzerland, and Germany before returning to India to join IISER as a project scientist.

The neighbourhood has reportedly been witnessing tensions between tenants and homeowners over parking. Witnesses claimed that Swarnkar had been parking his bike in the same spot for a long time, and the sudden escalation left the community in shock.

Police have registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The accused is currently absconding, and police teams are conducting raids and tracking Monty’s phone to apprehend him.

The investigation is ongoing, with police analyzing CCTV footage and recording statements from eyewitnesses. Swarnkar’s family has demanded strict action against the accused.