Nihangs attack MC official after row over illegal stall

Tension gripped Patel Market in Sector 15 today after three Nihangs allegedly attacked a Municipal Corporation (MC) official and shopkeepers following an altercation over an illegal stall.

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An FIR under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered at the Sector 11 Police Station.

According to police sources, the MC official was on a routine anti-encroachment drive. On Tuesday, he had directed the Nihangs to either get a valid licence or remove the unauthorised stall selling ‘shardai’, a traditional drink. A heated argument followed reportedly.

The Nihangs reportedly set up the stall again on Wednesday near Patel Market. When the MC official returned to enforce the encroachment removal order, an argument broke out again.

As per eyewitnesses, the Nihangs not only confronted the woman officer, but also threatened and assaulted shopkeepers who attempted to intervene.

The accused have been identified as Paramjit Singh, Shatrughan Singh and Satwinder Singh. The FIR has been filed against them under relevant sections of the BNS for assault, intimidation and obstruction of a public servant on duty.

The police said an investigation was underway and further action will be taken on the basis of CCTV footage and statements of witnesses.

The incident has sparked concern among local traders, who have demanded strict action against illegal vendors and better security arrangement for civic officials during official drives.