NRI shoots at social worker's aide in Phillaur over property dispute

Panic spread across Phillaur on late Saturday evening when an NRI youth allegedly pointed a pistol at social worker Mandeep Singh Dosanjh and shot one of his associates, leaving him seriously injured.

According to police sources, the accused has been identified as Rahul, a resident of Lakkar Mandi, Phillaur, who recently returned from abroad. The incident occurred at Atwal Colony, outside Dosanjh’s residence, popularly known as Atwal House.

Witnesses reported that Rahul arrived at Dosanjh’s home on the pretext of purchasing property. After entering the premises, he asked Mandeep Dosanjh to step outside for a discussion. The situation turned violent when Rahul suddenly drew a pistol and aimed it at Dosanjh.

Dosanjh’s friend Sanjeev Kumar, alias Pandit, intervened and attempted to overpower the assailant. In the scuffle, Rahul fired a shot, which struck Pandit in the leg. Immediately after firing, the accused fled the scene along with an accomplice in an SUV.

The injured Sanjeev was rushed to the Phillaur Civil Hospital by locals and police personnel. Given the severity of his injuries, doctors referred him to Ludhiana for advanced treatment. His condition is reported to be critical, but stable.

On receiving information, DSP Sarwan Singh Bal and SHO Aman Saini arrived on the spot with a police team. The authorities cordoned off the area, reviewed CCTV footage and set up checkpoints across the district to trace the fleeing vehicle.

DSP Bal confirmed that the shooter Rahul is an NRI who had returned to India. “The accused has been identified and a lookout circular has been issued across all airports to prevent his escape from the country,” the officer said.

Mandeep, a well-known philanthropist and social worker of the region, recounted the shocking events: “Rahul came to my house as he wanted to buy it. When I stepped out to talk, he suddenly pulled out a pistol and aimed at me. My associate Pandit tried to stop him bravely, but Rahul fired and escaped.”

The police have registered a case of attempt to murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Multiple teams have been deployed to trace the suspect’s whereabouts and raids are being conducted in Phillaur and surrounding areas.

The authorities have also appealed to the public to share any information related to the accused or the vehicle used by him.

The shocking incident has raised concern in the local community as Mandeep Dosanjh is a respected social worker known for his involvement in public welfare and charitable activities.

Police sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that swift action will be taken once the accused is apprehended.