A horrific gang shootout at a wedding in Ludhiana on Sunday night claimed the life of a young businessman who died a hero, using his own body as a shield to protect his wife and three-year-old son. The tragic incident, which saw around 30 rounds fired in a crowded venue filled with VIPs, has sent shockwaves through the city and exposed the brazenness of local criminal elements.
A Father's Final Act of Bravery
Vasu Chopra, 32, was enjoying dinner with his wife and toddler son at his friend's wedding when chaos erupted. As gunfire suddenly rang out, Vasu's instincts were solely for his family's safety. He immediately picked up his young son, grabbed his wife's hand, and rushed towards the wedding hall, positioning himself between his loved ones and the hail of bullets.
In a final, selfless act, he kept his body as a protective barrier. Tragically, a bullet struck him on the left side of his stomach, killing him instantly on the spot. His wife and child survived the ordeal, physically unharmed but emotionally shattered.
The heartbreak was palpable on Monday when Vasu's funeral pyre was lit by his three-year-old son. The victim's mother collapsed in grief, crying out, "Mainu apne naal leja, Vasu (Vasu, take me along with you)." In a poignant moment that underscored the innocence lost, the toddler was heard asking relatives if he could talk to his father on the phone, as he hadn't seen him since the previous night.
Not a Gang War, But a Fight for Supremacy: Police
The wedding, attended by politicians and at least one MLA, turned into a crime scene. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma addressed the media, downplaying the incident as a full-fledged gang war. He stated it was a "fight between local boys for supremacy."
However, the criminal records of the prime accused tell a different story. The main suspects, Shubham Arora alias Mota and Ankur, are wanted in several serious cases, including attempted murder. Shubham Arora alone faces a staggering 18 FIRs. His rivals, including Ankur, Rubal, and Jasvir Singh Jassa, also have histories involving attempted murder charges. With the death of Vasu Chopra and the groom's aunt, Neeru Chhabran, who was shot in the face, the case has now escalated to a double murder.
Arrests Made and Manhunt Underway
In the aftermath, police have made several arrests. Ankur was apprehended on Monday, along with four individuals accused of harbouring him, one of whom is a woman. Additionally, three private security guards deployed at the wedding venue have been arrested for allegedly allowing armed individuals to enter the premises.
Out of the 18 accused, only six have been identified so far. Just two are currently in custody: Ankur and Jatindar Kumar Dawar, whose licensed pistol was allegedly used in the shootout. The other prime accused, Shubham Arora, remains on the run, with police conducting a manhunt to capture him.
Vasu's brother-in-law, Parul Malhotra, a local Congress functionary, described the terrifying scene. "Those criminals were firing gunshots brazenly, without any fear, and people were running for their lives," he said. He personally counted at least 30 spent bullet shells at the venue.
The tragedy has left a family devastated. Vasu was the sole earning member for his family, having lost his father just a year ago. His wife is now a widow with two young children to raise. The incident raises serious questions about public safety and the audacity of criminals operating in Punjab's industrial hub.
