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Reward Offered To Witnesses In Double Homicide

Sonia Chopra

The family of the couple in the veterinary clinic is raising money to spur witnesses to help the police locate the suspected killer.

"We still cannot believe what has happened. The police department said 'money talks'. And if it does, we would like to get some type of disclosure on this case," said daughter Namita Chaudhary on Friday.

Nirman T Thapar, 61, and his wife Shashi, 52, were shot dead on September 16, inside the clinic at the 5600 block of Annapolis Road in Bladensburg.

"Since the investigators are telling us that they really don't have many leads... we hope that this {the fund} will help us catch the person who has taken our parents and left us with the question, Why?" said the couple's son-in-law Naveen Chaudhary, 28.

They have collected $ 13,000 through Association of Indian Veterinarians of America. Started by Thapar, it has 800 members.

The money will be sent to Crimesolvers, which has offered a reward of $ 1,000. The Rotary organization, of which Thapar was a long-time member, has given $ 1,000.

"We want this crime to be solved," said Dr Suresh Dua, 55, a family friend and an AIVA member. "We want the story to be kept alive."

Five days ago, a robber with olive skin and wearing a light shirt and dark pant robbed a clinic, said Dr Nave Dhillon, who had leased it.

The clinic at 6524 Sligo Park is about a mile from Thapar's clinic. The two attacks were discussed at the AIVA meeting Thursday night.

"I would say we are concerned, not nervous and we have been told by the police to be cautious, keep our doors closed and to report suspicious activity," said Dr Dhillon, who was not at the clinic at the time of the incident. A lady groomer who was there handed out $ 40 to the robber.

Police spokesperson Mathew Meterko said that the homicide and the robbery departments are working on the case and checking if there is connection between the two. He also said that next week the police will broadcast a Crimesolvers segment appealing to witnesses to come forward.

Dua speculated a drug connection since it is known that tranquilizers given to animals, especially cats, are used in halogen drugs.

The police are still looking for a white male with an olive complexion, between 25 to 30 years old, 6' tall with a thin build, dark hair, slight moustache. And they are asking anyone with information to call (301) 735-1111 or 800-673-2777 for AIVA/ Dr Nirwan Thapar and or Dr Murthy, 3133 Beethoven Way, Silver Spring 20904.

EARLIER REPORT:
Family Struggles To Cope With Murders

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