Patiala, July 13: An elderly man and two women were allegedly assaulted when a group of around 20–25 armed persons attempted to take possession of a disputed house in Sant Hazara Singh Nagar on Sunday, according to the family of the victims.
The family alleged that the group, which they said included some Nihang Sikhs and women, entered the residence armed with kirpans, swords and spears. They claimed that Joginder Singh, his daughter Rupinder Kaur and daughter-in-law Daljit Kaur sustained serious injuries in the incident and were later treated. The family further alleged that the assailants misbehaved with the women, threw household belongings onto the street and locked the house, preventing them from re-entering.
According to the family, a civil dispute over the property has been pending in court since 2016 and no final order has yet been passed. They asserted that applications filed by the opposing party had previously been dismissed by the court. The family also alleged that repeated calls to the Sanaur police did not result in prompt action.
Joginder Singh and his relatives stated that the outstanding loan on the property had been cleared with the State Bank of India in August 2024 and that bank officials subsequently handed over possession of the house to the late Surjit Kaur. The family said they possess photographs and videos of the handover. They further claimed that Surjit Kaur, who died last month, had been distressed by alleged threats related to the property dispute.
Rural DSP Ranbir Singh said police personnel were dispatched to the spot immediately after receiving information about the incident. He stated that those attempting to occupy the property were dispersed and some individuals were taken to the police station for questioning.
Stressing that the matter is sub judice, the officer said no one would be allowed to seize property by force and assured strict action against anyone found violating the law.
