While sources said that Anoop is the main suspect, DCP (Crime) Karnal Singh added, ``There is no political angle to the murder. It is a clear case of inter-gang rivalry.''

Anoop is the brother of Balraj, who was shot by the Pehalwan gang a few months ago.

The bloodshed on Tuesday night was the outcome of a feud between the Balraj gang and the Kishan Pehalwan gang, as well as some residents of Mundka and Dichau villages in Najafgarh, say police sources. Ved Singh and Anoop have fought over property worth several crores of rupees in Hauz Khas, a police official said. ``Gangs often indulge in extortion while posing as property agents. That is just a front. They use this business to grab property and then threaten the original owners,'' said one official.

The police confirmed today that Ram Veer, current resident of the Hauz Khas property, was threatened by Anoop as recently as this morning.

Ved Singh began operating on his own following the arrest of Kishan Pehalwan two months ago. The police believe the Pehalwan gang had murdered a member of the Balraj gang in Najafgarh.

While Ved Singh's family vehemently denies he was involved in extortion or underworld activities, some villagers in Mundka told Express Newsline today that he was involved with the Pehalwan gang at least 10 years ago, when he started his property business. Some villagers also said that Anoop was seen in Mundka three days ago. On hearing of Anoop's visit to Mundka, Ved Singh reportedly panicked and told his friends that he feared for his life. At noon on Tuesday, some 10 hours before he was murdered, Ved Singh visted Samata Party chief George Fernandes' house and told him that he was being threatened, according to state unit president Balraj Kumar.

The constant tension between the gangs was apparent again after the abduction and murder of Kishan Pehalwan's cousin Manjit Singh (18) and his friend Narender Pehalwan. Their bodies were found by a truck driver on June 30 in Rewari district on the Haryana-Rajasthan border.