Phagwara: A tense atmosphere gripped Phagwara on Wednesday as the city observed a complete bandh after Shiv Sena Punjab state vice-president Inderjit Karwal and his son Zimmi Karwal were attacked by a group of armed assailants on Tuesday evening. The incident has triggered widespread outrage among local Hindu organisations and political leaders, who have demanded swift police action.
According to police, the attack took place around 6:25 pm near Gaushala Bazar, when the father-son duo was allegedly confronted by six assailants, including Tanish alias Binda and Sunil, both residents of Balmiki Mohalla. The FIR, lodged by SHO Usha Rani, states that the attackers physically assaulted the victims and fired shots in the air to create panic before fleeing the scene.
The injured were immediately rushed to Civil Hospital, Phagwara, where they are receiving treatment for serious injuries. Senior officials, including SSP Gaurav Toora and SP Madhvi Sharma, remained at the hospital late into the night, assuring victims and supporters that the police were actively pursuing all leads.
DSP Bharat Bhushan inspected the attack site, while police suggested that the incident might be linked to prior personal disputes. Additional forces were deployed across sensitive areas to prevent further unrest.
The attack prompted leaders from various Hindu organisations to converge at the hospital, demanding the arrest of both identified and unidentified attackers. They expressed concern over what they called a decline in law and order, urging the state government to take strict measures against the perpetrators.
Local representatives, including MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal and Mayor Ram Paul Uppal, supported the call for a bandh, resulting in closed markets, shops, and commercial establishments across the city. Police patrolled key areas to ensure the shutdown passed peacefully.
In addition, the Phagwara Bar Association, led by Advocate Ravinder Sharma, observed a “no work day” in solidarity with the bandh. Inderjit Karwal criticized the administration for failing to curb the rise in crime and called for stricter measures to ensure citizen safety.
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS Act, including charges of attempted murder and unlawful assembly, and are actively investigating the matter.
