Prime accused of Khandwala gangwar held

The police have identified several accomplices of Nikhil Chahal alias Gawala, the prime accused in the gang war that took place in the Khandwala area on Saturday night. In the incident, one youth was killed and another sustained a gunshot injury.

Sukhwinder Singh, a resident of Mohni Park, was killed, while his associate, Amritpal Singh, was injured in the firing. Nikhil Chahal was also injured during a police encounter that followed the shooting.

“Chahal has been arrested after being discharged from Guru Nanak Dev Hospital on Monday,” said Vinod Sharma, SHO of Chheharta police station. Earlier, the police had arrested his accomplice Vikramjit Singh in connection with the case. Both are currently in police custody for further interrogation.

During the preliminary investigation, police identified additional accomplices involved in the crime. These include Gurwinder Singh alias Mota of Kot Khalsa; Rahul, Vimal and Dana — all residents of Dhakka Colony, Khandwala; Sumit from Ghanupur Kale; and Mehraj from Khasa.

“Raids are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects,” said the SHO, adding that a separate case under charges of attempt to murder and relevant sections of the Arms Act has been registered against them for opening fire on the police party.

According to police, Sukhwinder Singh was affiliated with the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang and was shot dead by Nikhil Chahal and his associates, who are linked to the Dony Bal gang. Investigations indicate that the incident was a result of ongoing rivalry between the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Dony Bal gangs.

Following the incident, the Dony Bal gang claimed responsibility on a social media platform, alleging that the deceased was conducting surveillance on their associates on behalf of the Bhagwanpuria gang. The gang further issued threats of more such attacks in the near future, stating that more associates of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria are on their target.