Eastwood Phagwara attack: Police nab main accused, identify 5 more

In a breakthrough nearly 18 days after the armed attack in Eastwood village near Phagwara, the police late Saturday night arrested the prime suspect Sukha, a resident of Talhan village. The arrest marks a major step forward in the investigation, which has been underway since the October 14 assault that left security guard Sandeep Kumar injured.

Phagwara SP Madhvi Sharma said the police had arrested three suspects earlier, while five additional accomplices have now been identified and are being actively pursued. The newly named suspects— Sahbha, Rakshat, Kartarpur, Neeraj and Raj Verma — are believed to have played direct roles in the attack. SSP Gaurav Toora said raids are ongoing across Kapurthala and Jalandhar districts, expressing confidence that the remaining accused would be apprehended soon.

Sukha had previously worked at an ice cream parlour in Eastwood village but was dismissed following repeated disputes with colleagues and alleged incidents of harassment. SP Sharma revealed that Sukha had on multiple occasions attempted to approach the parlour but was stopped by on-duty personnel. The police believe the attack was a revenge-driven act stemming from earlier confrontations.

On the evening of October 14, Sukha allegedly returned to the security post accompanied by five or six accomplices armed with sticks and at least one firearm. Speaking to reporters, DSP Bharat Bhushan said witnesses saw a tall youth with long hair fire a close-range shot. The bullet struck the mobile phone in Sandeep’s pocket, causing the device to explode. The violent impact inflicted both burn injuries and a gunshot wound, with the bullet eventually lodging in his thigh, narrowly missing vital organs. The assailants immediately fled the scene.

A case has been registered. An empty cartridge recovered from the site has been sent for forensic examination, while police teams are scanning CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to track the route and identify all individuals involved.

SP Madhvi Sharma said that witness statements have been recorded and multiple leads are being pursued. “We are treating the matter with utmost seriousness. No one involved will be spared,” she assured. Injured guard Sandeep Kumar was rushed to Johal Hospital, Jalandhar, where he underwent surgery late Tuesday night. Hospital authorities confirmed that his condition is stable, and he is recovering under close medical supervision. The investigation remains ongoing.