Ludhiana, Jan 5: A 22-year-old man was shot during a violent clash between two rival groups in Ludhiana’s Tibba area late Saturday night, with police saying the incident was the result of a long-standing feud that escalated through social media exchanges.
The injured youth, identified as Balraj Chauhan, sustained a bullet wound to his back and was rushed to Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), where his condition is reported to be stable. Police said his statement is yet to be recorded.
According to Tibba police, the confrontation took place around midnight in Shakti Nagar, after members of both groups gathered following repeated instances of internet banging, trolling and provocative posts on Instagram.
“The clash was not sudden. There has been an old rivalry between the two groups, which continued online before spilling onto the streets,” said Sub-Inspector Amarjit Singh, Station House Officer of Tibba police station.
Police said that members of both factions arrived at the spot armed with knives and other sharp-edged weapons, while one group was also carrying a firearm. During the confrontation, a shot was fired, hitting Balraj.
Residents alerted the police after hearing gunfire, following which a police team reached the area. Eyewitnesses told investigators that several youths were seen brandishing sharp weapons during the clash.
So far, police have identified three accused — Kaka, Vishu and China — in connection with the incident. Cases will be registered against members of both groups involved in the violence.
“Kaka, one of the named accused, is already facing a firing-related case,” SI Amarjit Singh said, adding that the criminal backgrounds of the other suspects are being verified. “Further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.”
