Kharar, July 7: A parking dispute between two shopkeepers in Kharar’s congested main market spiraled into a violent brawl on Sunday afternoon, leaving multiple people injured and one man with serious head wounds.
The altercation began around noon when Parminder Singh, brother of complainant Rakesh Kumar, asked Gurpreet Singh—who runs a shop directly opposite Rakesh’s in shop number 3400—to move his motorcycle and bench, which were obstructing the narrow market lane. The verbal exchange quickly escalated, with Parminder allegedly grabbing Gurpreet’s collar. Bystanders stepped in and temporarily diffused the situation.
But according to Rakesh, the conflict reignited shortly after. “Gurpreet returned with his brothers, Lakhbir Singh and Jarnail Singh, and about 15 other men. They began abusing us. When we stepped outside, they attacked us with sharp weapons,” he told the police. “I suffered six wounds. My brother was bleeding heavily from deep gashes.”
CCTV footage confirmed the attack and showed Rakesh’s second brother, Arsh, being struck on the head with a thick wooden stick during the melee. The violence quickly drew in other individuals, intensifying the brawl.
All three brothers were rushed to the Civil Hospital in Kharar, and Arsh was later referred to Government Multi-Speciality Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16, Chandigarh, for further treatment due to the severity of his head injuries.
Police have registered a case based on Rakesh’s complaint under Sections 115(2), 118(1), 191(3), 190, and 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Gurpreet, his two brothers, and 15 unidentified individuals. Surveillance footage is being reviewed to identify all assailants involved.
Kharar’s main market, known for its overcrowded streets and chronic parking shortages, has long been a flashpoint for tension among local shopkeepers. Residents say such disputes are becoming increasingly frequent. Police have assured that strict action will follow once the investigation concludes.