In a brazen daylight incident, unidentified assailants targeted a high-end car rental showroom in the heart of Ludhiana, Punjab. The attack has sent shockwaves through the Model Town area, raising serious concerns about law and order.
The Model Town Shooting: A Detailed Account
The incident occurred on a Tuesday afternoon at the 'Luxury Wheels' car rental showroom, located on the bustling Pakhowal Road in Model Town. According to police reports, two masked gunmen arrived on a motorcycle. Without any warning, they opened fire at the showroom's facade, specifically targeting the glass entrance and windows.
The assailants fired approximately five to six rounds before fleeing the scene on their two-wheeler. Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud, consecutive gunshots that caused panic among shopkeepers and pedestrians in the vicinity. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the showroom staff and customers managed to take cover.
Chilling Calling Card: Slips Bearing Gangster Names
The most alarming aspect of the attack was the evidence left behind by the perpetrators. After the shooting, police investigators discovered two slips of paper at the scene. These slips bore the handwritten names of known gangsters: Sukhmeet Pal Singh, alias Sukh Bhikhariwal, and Manpreet Singh, alias Mani Kharoud.
This deliberate act of leaving behind names has become a signature tactic in gang-related intimidation in the region. It is seen as a clear message, either from the named individuals themselves or from rivals attempting to frame them. Senior police officials have confirmed that this modus operandi is under active scrutiny.
Police Investigation and Gangland Links
The Ludhiana Police Commissionerate has registered a case and launched a comprehensive investigation. Forensic teams were dispatched to collect bullet casings and other evidence from the spot. Authorities are exploring multiple angles, including potential extortion demands, business rivalry in the lucrative car rental sector, or a direct link to gang warfare.
Both Sukh Bhikhariwal and Mani Kharoud are figures with known criminal histories in Punjab. The police are investigating whether the attack was a threat issued by these gangsters or a false flag operation by opposing criminal factions. CCTV footage from nearby establishments is being analyzed to trace the escape route of the motorcycle-borne assailants.
This attack highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling gang-related violence in Punjab's urban centers. The use of public, high-profile locations for such intimidation strikes fear into the business community and citizens alike. The police have assured the public that they are pursuing all leads vigorously to apprehend those responsible.
