Migrant Labourers Targeted in Shooting Incident in Punjab's Moga District
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of fear through the region, three unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at a group of migrant labourers in a village along the Zira–Moga Road in Punjab's Moga district on Tuesday. This attack marks a first-of-its-kind event in Punjab, raising serious concerns about safety and communal tensions.
Panic Erupts as Gunshots Ring Out in Khosa Jalal Village
The firing triggered widespread panic in the area, with residents of Khosa Jalal reporting the sound of multiple gunshots echoing through the village. According to Ajay Gandhi, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Moga, the assailants targeted the migrant labourers as they were walking past. One labourer, identified as Ashok, sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was rushed to the hospital, where he is now reported to be out of danger. Another labourer received a minor graze injury during the attack.
Instagram Post Claims Responsibility with Inflammatory Threats
Meanwhile, a purported post on Instagram by a user named Nirvair Singh has claimed responsibility for the attack, suggesting that the assailants belonged to the Davinder Bambiha gang. The post, which included a video of the incident showing the labourers being fired upon, used inflammatory language and stated that the firing was carried out as a "protest" against migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The message, which began with "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh," explicitly threatened local elected representatives and alleged drug smugglers, warning of further violence if migrants were not driven out of villages and towns in Punjab. It read, "The firing that took place on the bhaiyas (people from UP–Bihar) in Khosa Jalal village was carried out by us — Ladi Bhalwan and Nirvair Singh."
Police Investigation Underway as Social Media Post is Verified
In response to the social media post, SSP Gandhi confirmed that the police are investigating the case from all angles. "We are investigating the case from all angles. The social media post is being verified. An FIR is being registered at the Moga Sadar police station, and the victim's statement is being recorded. He is a local factory worker," Gandhi stated. The authorities are working diligently to ascertain the authenticity of the Instagram claim and to identify the perpetrators behind this violent act.
This incident has highlighted the growing tensions and security challenges in the region, with migrant communities feeling increasingly vulnerable. The police are urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation as they work to bring the culprits to justice and prevent any further escalation of violence.
