Ludhiana Lohri Celebration Turns Violent: Man Shot in Parking Dispute
A festive Lohri gathering in Ludhiana's Tibba area turned into a scene of violence on Tuesday night. A minor parking dispute escalated into a targeted shooting, leaving a 32-year-old man hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds.
Victim Hospitalized After Shooting
The victim, Ankit Bhalla of Sant Vihar, was celebrating Lohri with relatives in New Rishi Nagar. He suffered gunshot wounds to his arm and abdomen during the incident. Medical staff at a private hospital confirm Bhalla is currently in stable condition. He underwent specialized surgery after residents first rushed him to a nearby clinic.
How the Argument Escalated
The incident began around a traditional bonfire where Bhalla's family had gathered in the street. Witnesses describe a confrontation that started when a local man, identified as Sooraj (alias Dev Prakash), attempted to ride his motorcycle through the narrow space.
Police reports outline the sequence of events:
- The Initial Demand: Sooraj allegedly demanded that the family move to clear a wider path for his motorcycle.
- The Counter Argument: Bhalla countered that there was already sufficient space to pass through the area.
- Heated Exchange: A verbal argument followed between the two men, which neighbors briefly managed to break up.
- The Departure: Sooraj left the area after the initial confrontation seemed resolved.
Violent Return with Accomplices
Approximately thirty minutes later, the situation took a dangerous turn. Sooraj returned to the scene accompanied by three accomplices. The group reportedly attacked Bhalla physically before the situation escalated further.
One of the men pulled a firearm and shot Bhalla at close range. The attackers fled immediately after Bhalla collapsed on the ground. Family members and neighbors witnessed the entire assault.
Police Investigation Underway
Tibba police received notification of the shooting from locality residents shortly after the suspects escaped. Investigators are currently recording detailed statements from family members who witnessed the violent assault.
Authorities are scouring CCTV footage from the EWS Colony area to track the motorcycle's route. Police have identified the primary suspect and his associates, though no arrests have been made as of Wednesday morning.
Community Concerns and Forensic Examination
The shooting has sparked significant concerns within the Tibba area community. Residents are particularly worried about the use of illegal firearms during festival periods when large gatherings occur.
Local authorities have cordoned off the site of the bonfire where the incident occurred. Forensic teams are examining the area for shell casings and other evidence. The police maintain a high alert status in the Tibba area following this violent incident.
This Lohri celebration turned violent serves as a reminder of how quickly minor disputes can escalate into serious criminal incidents. The community awaits further developments in the police investigation as they recover from the shock of violence during what should have been a festive occasion.
