Group attack, vandalism cases reported in Phagwara

Late-night incidents of violence, vandalism and criminal intimidation has been reported from Friends Colony and nearby areas of Phagwara, prompting the police to register a case under Sections 452 (house trespass), 427 (mischief causing damage), 148 and 149 (rioting with unlawful assembly), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.

According to a police complaint, the case has been registered on the statement of Jaswant Singh, a resident of Mohalla Kotrani of Phagwara. The complainant stated that he had parked his school van inside the courtyard of his house in the evening and went in the house. He reportedly heard loud noises outside his residence and stepped out to investigate late night.

The complainant alleged that a group of around 14 to 15 young men forcibly broke open the main gate of his house and entered the premises. The attackers damaged his school van using sharp-edged weapons, including swords and kirpans. It is further alleged that the assailants threatened the complainant and his family with dire consequences before fleeing the scene.

The complaint names five persons as Shavi and his brother Navi, residents of Bhagatpura; Kaniya, a resident of Khera; Tony, of Mohalla Bhagatpura; and Vainam, a resident of Arora Colony — while the remaining accused are stated to be unidentified.

In a related incident reported from Friends Colony, residents Sunita and Ravinder Sodhi alleged that more than a dozen youths attacked their house late at night, damaged the gate, hurled bricks, and allegedly set the gate on fire using petrol. The complainants stated that the incident occurred while they were asleep and that the attack continued for 10 to 15 minutes, creating panic in the locality. They further claimed that the entire episode was captured on CCTV cameras installed at their residence.

Residents expressed concern over the rising incidents of violence and hooliganism in the city, stating that such acts have increased in recent days.

Police officials confirmed that cases have been registered and investigations are underway. CCTV footage and other evidence are being examined to identify all those involved, and the authorities have assured strict action against the perpetrators in accordance with the law.