Attack on trader: Businessmen, MLA meet SP, seek action

Traders led by Karnal MLA Jagmohan Anand on Wednesday met Superintendent of Police (SP) Ganga Ram Punia, demanding arrest and strict action against those involved in the attack on trader Pardeep Arora and his uncle, Surinder Arora, over a parking dispute on Monday evening. The traders also raised the issue of non-cooperation by police personnel who arrived after the Dial 112 call made by the victim.

As per the information, Pardeep runs an optical shop on Kunjpura Road. On Monday evening, his uncle Surinder Arora had an argument with three men travelling in a car over parking in front of his shop. Pardeep alleged that the men attacked his uncle.

“People in the car began abusing my uncle and then attacked him,” he said. Meanwhile, after they called Dial 112, the attackers allegedly summoned 10–15 more members of their group, who also assaulted him. The traders said it was shocking that the victims were beaten with sticks in full public view while police personnel allegedly remained mute spectators, instead of helping or intervening, instead recorded the incident on their phones. However, a woman stepped forward and managed to pull him away from the attackers, he added.

While meeting the SP, Anand said all those involved in the assault be arrested. “We stand with the traders, and all those involved in the assault will not be spared,” he said.

Ward councillor Monik Garg said the victims were beaten so badly that they are now in fear. He demanded that all assailants be taken into custody and strict action be ensured.

The SP confirmed that two accused had been arrested and the identification of the remaining attackers had been made. “Traders met me on Wednesday, and I assured them that all those involved will be arrested soon. The issue of the Dial 112 team not acting promptly will also be investigated,” the SP said.