1 week Ago
Ludhiana: Two groups clashed Monday night over a monetary dispute near a travel agent's office on Tajpur Road here, escalating into violence that included gunfire. Police have arrested two individuals and filed charges against nine suspects. According to authorities, Deepak Rajput and Ganga Sagar met to resolve a financial disagreement.
However, their discussion turned into a heated argument quickly, prompting both men to call their accomplices. As tensions rose, the situation devolved into a physical altercation involving several young men. Witnesses reported gunshots fired into the air during the scuffle, causing panic in the area.
Police arrested Suraj Kumar and Ganga Sagar and seized a .32-bore pistol, two live cartridges, and two shells from their possession. Investigators have registered a case against nine individuals under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act.
The charges include affray, voluntarily causing hurt, rioting with deadly weapons, criminal intimidation, and acts endangering life or personal safety. Police action Assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Prem Chand from Division Number 7 police station confirmed that raids were in progress to apprehend the remaining suspects. Those charged include individuals from various localities such as Arjun Colony, MIG Flats, Vijay Nagar, Village Kakka Dhaula, and Dhamotia Colony.
Previous clashes Ludhiana has witnessed similar incidents of violence during group clashes in recent years. In 2023, firing erupted during a dispute between two factions at a local market, injuring several bystanders. Another clash in 2024 involved gunfire outside a community center, further highlighting growing concerns about public safety in the city.
Authorities are intensifying efforts to curb violence and ensure the safety of residents amidst these recurring incidents. ASI Prem Chand, the investigating officer from Division Number 7 police station, said that the police registered a case against nine accused, including Suraj Kumar of Arjun Colony, Ganga Sagar of MIG Flats, Deepak Rajput of Vijay Nagar, Raj of Village Kakka Dhaula, and Prince of Dhamotia Colony. They were charged under sections 194 (2) (affray), 115 (2) (causing hurt voluntarily), 126 (2) (punishment for wrongful restraint), 351 (3) (punishment for criminal intimidation), 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), 191 (3) (rioting, armed with deadly weapons), 190 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object) of the BNS, and sections 25, 27, 54, and 59 of the Arms Act, which deal with illegal possession and use of firearms.
After arresting two of the accused, police are conducting raids at various possible hideouts to apprehend the remaining suspects. MSID:: 120096644 413 |.
