2 hurt in clash outside court complex in Ludhiana

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 7

Panic gripped the area around the court complex here this morning after two groups clashed over an old enmity. Two persons suffered bullet injuries in the clash and are undergoing treatment at a hospital.

After the incident, senior police officials rushed to the spot for investigation. Two persons were also rounded up by the police from the spot.

As per the information, the clash reportedly took place over an assault case registered at the Model Town police station on February 10, 2020, and both the parties — the complainant, Gurcharan, alias Rinku, of Abdulapur Basti with aides and accused Jaspreet, alias Sahil, of Dashmesh Nagar with aides — had come to the court with regard to the hearing in the case and when both groups came face to face, they broke into arguments and later started assaulting each other followed by firing by both parties.

Jaspreet, alias Sahil, suffered bullet injuries on his chest and near the stomach while Himanshu Malhotra, an aide of Gurcharan, suffered a bullet injury on his hand.

After the incident, Joint CP City Saumya Mishra, Additional DCP Sameer Verma, ADCP Rupinder Bhatti along with other officials reached the spot for investigation. Even a forensic team was called to the spot, which gathered evidence including empty cartridges.

Joint CP Saumya Mishra said both parties clashed outside the court. A police party immediately responded to the situation and rounded up two suspects. Two suffered bullet injuries in the incident and were admitted to hospital.

“Some rumour-mongers were spreading misinformation that it was a gang war between two gangs, but in reality it was a sudden clash between the complainant and the accused in an old FIR with their aides present on the road outside the court. One of the persons also used his licenced weapon in the firing and the same will be recommended for cancellation immediately after verification,” added Saumya Mishra.

Police sources revealed that Gurcharan’s friend had reportedly used his licenced weapon for firing. Himanshu and Maninder were also accompanying Gurcharan. Two persons — Gurcharan and Maninder — were rounded up by the police while cops were deployed at the hospital where two of the injured were undergoing treatment.

Cross case registered

The police have registered a cross case against Gurcharan, Manjinder, Deep, Lovedeep, Inderpal Singh Jandu, Mastan alias Rambo, Himanshu, Sahil and other unknown persons on the charge of attempt to murder, committing affray and other charges including under the Arms Act. Six persons — Gurcharan, Manjinder, Deep, Lovedeep, Rambo and Shamsher Bhola — have been arrested. Jandu is a Congress leader.

Boost security at court, say lawyers

• The firing incident outside the court complex left lawyers and visitors frightened, though it took place on the road adjoining the wall on the backside of the court. The court has many unmanned entrances where security personnel must be deployed.
• “I was on the ground floor when I heard gunshots. This incident has revived the December 2021 bomb blast incident in the court complex. The police should deploy a patrolling team outside the court where minor scuffles or brawls take place between rival parties,” said a lawyer.

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