Phillau, Oct 19: Panic spread in Punjab’s Phillaur town on Saturday evening after an NRI youth allegedly opened fire outside the residence of a local social worker, injuring one person. Police have identified the accused as Rahul, a resident of Lakkar Mandi, Phillaur, who recently returned from abroad.
The shooting took place at Atwal Colony outside the home of social worker Mandeep Singh Dosanjh, widely known for his community welfare work. According to witnesses, Rahul arrived at Dosanjh’s residence on the pretext of discussing a property purchase. After asking Dosanjh to step outside, he suddenly pulled out a pistol and aimed it at him.
Dosanjh’s associate, Sanjeev Kumar alias Pandit, tried to intervene and overpower the assailant. In the scuffle that followed, Rahul fired a shot, hitting Sanjeev in the leg. The accused then fled the scene along with an accomplice in a black Thar SUV.
Locals and police personnel rushed the injured man to Phillaur Civil Hospital, from where he was referred to Ludhiana for advanced treatment. Doctors said his condition is critical but stable.
Following the incident, DSP Sarwan Singh Bal and SHO Aman Saini reached the site with a police team. Officers cordoned off the area, examined CCTV footage, and set up checkpoints across the district to track the vehicle.
DSP Bal confirmed that the shooter was an NRI who had recently returned to India. “The accused has been identified, and a lookout circular has been issued at all airports to prevent his escape from the country,” he said.
Police have registered a case of attempt to murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Multiple teams have been deployed to trace the accused, with raids underway in Phillaur and adjoining areas.
Authorities have appealed to the public to share any information regarding the suspect or the vehicle used in his escape. “We are pursuing all leads and will ensure swift action once the accused is apprehended,” a senior officer said.
The incident has caused unease among residents, as Dosanjh is a well-known social worker engaged in welfare and charitable initiatives. Local citizens condemned the attack and urged the police to bring the culprits to justice at the earliest.
