LUCKNOW, Feb. 18 -- What first appeared to be a roadside ambush on criminal lawyer Shoaib Mahmood Qidwai on February 13 is now looking like a meticulously planned contract killing. Forensic evidence recovered from the Barabanki crime scene confirms three weapons, three shooters, and 14 rounds fired at close range, with alleged links to an interstate criminal network.

Ballistic examination of cartridges recovered near Kalika Haveli Restaurant, where Shoaib was ambushed, confirmed the use of three separate firearms, two 9mm pistols and one .32 bore pistol. Approximately 14 rounds were allegedly discharged at close range, pointing to controlled targeting rather than random firing, senior police officials informed.

The three distinct ballis...