A 30-year-old man was killed and another left fighting for his life after a violent clash broke out between rival groups of youths in Samrala on Friday evening.
Details of the Incident
The confrontation, which involved more than 30 combatants armed with traditional gandasas (axes) and swords, took place in a residential colony on Ratipur Road. Police say the groups had been embroiled in a days-long dispute before meeting near the Lakhowal grain market to settle the grudge.
Victims and Injuries
Gagandeep Singh "Billa", of Hedon Bet, was killed in the melee. A second man, Mani, sustained life-threatening injuries and was moved to a Ludhiana hospital after his condition deteriorated at a local government facility.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses described a chaotic scene where a mob descended on the victims, hacking at them and vandalising a nearby vehicle.
Allegations of Retribution
Gagandeep's father, Surinder Singh, alleged the killing was an act of retribution for his son's anti-drug activism. He said: "My son opposed drug peddlers in our village recently and even handed some over to the police. Local men involved in the trade were among the attackers. They killed him for standing up to them."
Police Response
Police have deployed teams to the area to maintain order and are identifying the suspects through local intelligence. No arrests have been confirmed, though officials stated that a case is being registered against the rival group.
Broader Concerns
The violence has reignited concerns over the influence of drug cartels and the prevalence of armed youth gangs in the region's rural belts.
