Armed groups clash: Police register case after 4-day delay, residents left terrorised

The Khalra police have finally registered a case under the relevant sections of the BNS and the Arms Act against 13 persons four days after two armed groups which had exchanged fire on the intervening night of September 11-12 had left residents terrorised.

One group of six persons was led by Gurlal Singh of Bhikhiwind town and the second of seven was headed by Gurbhej Singh Bheja of Marimegha village. ASI Gurnam Singh, the investigating officer, said on September 11, both parties hurled abuses at each other on WhatsApp and threatened a face-off at the grain market of Marimegha village the same night. The police said Gurlal Singh, Robinpreet Singh and Simranjit Singh with three unknown armed persons and Bheja, Balraj Singh Bobby, Jagrup Singh, Muhabbat Cheema and three other unknown armed persons came to the grain market of Marimegha at about 10.00pm. The groups exchanged fire for hours, terrorising the residents. The police failed to reach the spot.

According to the residents, the police didn't turn up the next day as well. The ASI said both parties used countless shells in the fight.

Area residents said the 'gangsters' were extorting them and in case one denied to give money, they would open fire at their house.

SHO Inspector Satpal Singh did not give any explanation for the delay and asked this reporter to talk to DSP Paramjit Singh, who in turn didn't respond to the calls made. SSP Gaurav Toora too didn't respond. The police said they had registered a case under sections 109, 191 (3) and 190 of the BNS and 25, 27, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act on Saturday.