Police investigating a fatal  shooting at a busy shopping centre at Mira Road on Friday suspect that the crime was carried out by a contract killer. It has now emerged that the killer may have planned to kill a second person, but his desi pistol malfunctioned when he aimed at the second target. mid-day spoke to the survivor, who is now the prime witness in the case.

The victim was identified as Mohammed Tabrez Ansari, alias Shams Tabrez Ansari alias Sonu. The 38-year-old operated an watch shop called Msta Center at Shanti Shopping Center opposite Mira Road Station. Around 10 pm on Friday, the killer shot Sonu in the head. According to police sources, the prime suspect is one Yusuf Ansari, an estranged acquaintance of the victim. He allegedly hired a contract killer to execute the crime.