Firing Between Rival Groups in Banga Leaves Five Injured; Separate Snatching Attempt Reported

PHAGWARA: Tension gripped the Banga area on Monday afternoon after a firing incident between two local groups left five youths injured, two of them critically. Senior Superintendent of Police Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar while confirming the incident told this correspondent late evening that according to preliminary police information, the confrontation appears to have stemmed from an ongoing rivalry between the groups. 

The shooting occurred near the Banga bus stand this evening, where Honey Bal, a resident of Mehrampur, was sitting in his Scorpio vehicle (PB-12-AB-4627) along with his friends Rimpal (22), Sujan (21) and Noni (23). Police said that a white Hyundai i20 (PB-32-AA-7878) carrying three to four unidentified youths pulled up at the spot, and the occupants opened fire, discharging nearly a dozen rounds before fleeing. 

All four occupants of the Scorpio sustained gunshot injuries. Local shopkeepers rushed to the spot and alerted emergency services, following which the injured were taken to Guru Nanak Mission Charitable Hospital, Dhahan. The condition of Rimpal was stated to be serious at the time of reporting, while two victims — identified earlier as being in critical condition — were referred to DMC Ludhiana for advanced treatment. 

Police sources said the main victim, Honey Bal, is the brother of Babbu Maan of Mehrampur, who is known to have a criminal background, and that the attack appears to be linked to longstanding enmity. An FIR has been registered by name against the identified accused, and police teams are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting raids to trace the suspects. Nakas and patrolling units in adjoining areas were also alerted immediately after the incident. 

In a separate incident at around 4:50 pm, a man was injured during an attempted robbery near the railway crossing at Dhahan village under Sadar Banga police station. Onkar Singh, 40, was travelling on his motorcycle from Chakk Bilga to Dhahan when two unidentified youths, waiting by the roadside, intercepted him. One of the assailants pointed a pistol at Singh and demanded his mobile phone and purse. During the scuffle, Singh pushed the weapon aside, causing a shot to be fired, which struck him on the right hand. The suspects fled the scene immediately afterward. 

Police have initiated investigations in both cases and intensified efforts to identify and apprehend the accused involved.