In a brazen act underscoring persistent law and order challenges in Punjab's industrial hub, three masked men on a motorcycle opened fire at a readymade garment shop in Ludhiana's Civil City area in the early hours of Tuesday. The attack, which left the shop's shutter and glass door riddled with bullet holes, followed a series of chilling WhatsApp calls demanding a Rs 50 lakh ransom from the trader.
The Terrifying Timeline of Threats
The victim, trader Himanshu Handa, stated that the ordeal began on Friday when he received a WhatsApp call from an unknown number. The caller, claiming association with a gangster, demanded a sum of Rs 50 lakh within 24 hours. Dismissing it as a potential prank, Handa initially ignored the threat.
The situation escalated on Sunday when the caller made a second contact. This time, the threats turned more sinister, with direct warnings to harm Handa and his family if the money was not paid, demanding a decision within two hours. Following this, Handa filed a formal complaint at the Haibowal police station. Later that same evening, the caller ominously warned Handa to "wait for the trailer." The trailer arrived just hours later, in the form of a gunfire attack.
CCTV Captures Brazen Assault
The attack occurred around 1:50 am on Tuesday. Closed-circuit television footage from a neighboring shop captured the entire incident. The footage shows three assailants arriving on a motorcycle, all wearing hoodies. Two of them dismount and open fire on the closed shop with two separate guns. The third remains seated on the bike, conspicuously recording the act on a mobile phone.
Handa's workers discovered the damage in the morning, finding at least five bullet holes in the shutter. One bullet had penetrated through to shatter the glass door. Handa believes the attackers are local, as they knew the precise location of his shop and had addressed him by his full name during the threatening calls.
Police Investigation Underway
Law enforcement authorities have swung into action. Sub-inspector Ram Krishan, additional SHO of Haibowal police station, confirmed that the victim's statement has been recorded and a case is being registered. The probe is ongoing. When questioned about the specific gangster named in the extortion calls, the officer declined to comment, stating it was a sensitive part of the investigation.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (West) Jatinderpal Singh stated that police would provide security surveillance for Himanshu Handa. He also noted that the trader possesses a licensed pistol for his personal protection.
This incident adds to a worrying pattern of extortion-related crimes in Ludhiana. Recent police investigations have uncovered rackets, including one allegedly linked to gangster Goldy Brar's network, which recruited local youths to target industrialists and affluent residents. The attack on Handa's shop is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the business community in the region.
