Attack on Shiv Sena leader: Phagwara observes shutdown; FIR registered

A tense calm gripped Phagwara on Wednesday as the city observed a complete bandh following an attack on Shiv Sena Punjab state vice-president Inderjit Karwal and his son Zimmi Karwal on Tuesday evening. The assault, carried out by a group of armed assailants, has sparked widespread outrage among Hindu organisations, prompting urgent calls for swift and decisive police action.

Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora who, along with SP Phagwara Madhvi Sharma, remained at the Civil Hospital till midnight told this correspondent that on a complaint lodged by SHO Usha Rani, the city police had registered a case under Sections 109, 126(2), 190, 191(3), 25 of the BNS against six assailants including two identified as Tanish, alias Binda, and Sunil, both residents of Balmiki Mohalla in Phagwara.

The SHO in her complaint reported that around 6:25 pm near Gaushala Bazar, a group of accused including Tanish, Sunil Salhotra and their 2-3 unidentified associates allegedly intercepted the father-son duo, surrounded them, and launched a violent assault. The FIR details accusations of brutal thrashing with the alleged intent to kill, followed by gunshots fired to terrorise public before the attackers fled the scene.

The injured were rushed to Civil Hospital in Phagwara, where doctors began treatment for their serious injuries.

DSP Bharat Bhushan inspected the site, while SP Phagwara Madhvi Sharma indicated that the incident may be linked to previous personal disputes.

Later that night, SSP Gaurav Toora arrived at the hospital, assuring both victims and supporters that police teams were pursuing all leads and that the accused would be arrested without delay. Additional forces were deployed across the city to maintain order.

As the news spread, leaders from various Hindu organisations congregated at the hospital and held discussions with the administration. Expressing deep concern over what they described as “deteriorating law and order”, they demanded the immediate arrest of all named and unidentified assailants.

Supported by local representatives, including MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal and Mayor Ram Paul Uppal, Hindu leaders pressed the state government to ensure safety for citizens and strict action against those responsible.

By morning, Phagwara came to a standstill. Markets, shops, and commercial establishments remained closed as part of the citywide shutdown called by Shiv Sena and other Hindu groups. The bandh passed peacefully, with police patrolling sensitive areas to prevent escalation.

Inderjit Karwal criticised the administration for failing to curb rising crime. Meanwhile on a call of Bar Association, Phagwara, headed by Advocate Ravinder Sharma today observed a "no work day" today in view of Phagwara band call.