Rival groups exchange fire at Pathankot Chowk, one injured

Tribune News Service

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Jalandhar, August 5

Two warring groups came face to face at Pathankot Chowk in Jalandhar on Monday and fired at each other. Commuters and passersby in the area fled the spot in panic after firing started at the chowk. Each member of the two groups reportedly has a criminal background. The incident took place between 2 and 2.15 pm.

Incident happened around 2.15 pm

Shots were fired after two groups came face to face at Pathankot Chowk aroung 2.15 pm. The incident happened due to an old rivalry between the two groups led by Manga and Jagtej. Manga's associate Gagan was injured and an FIR has been registered on the basis of his statement. Gagan has been admitted to a hospital. Gurmukh Singh, SHO

The police said two residents of Rehru village, Manga and Jagtej, both rivals, clashed at the chowk. While Manga and Jagtej had an old feud, their six to seven supporters each also reached the site. After heated exchange, several shots were fired. A Thar vehicle was also reportedly vandalised.

Gagan, an associate of Manga, was injured in the clash. While preliminary reports said he was shot at, the police said it could only be confirmed after his medical report was received.

Meanwhile, several unconfirmed reports said two people had been injured in the firing.

SHO, Division number 8, Gurmukh Singh said, “Shots were fired after two groups came face to face at the Pathankot Chowk. The incident happened due to an old feud between the two groups led by Manga and Jagtej. Manga’s associate Gagan was injured in the incident, an FIR has been lodged on the basis of his statement. Gagan has been admitted to a private hospital.”

Damanbir Singh, ACP North Jalandhar, told the media that firing occurred between 2 pm and 2:15 pm near Pathankot Chowk, under the Division number 8 police station in Jalandhar. The suspects had been identified on the basis of preliminary findings.

A case had been registered in this regard and the accused would be arrested soon, said the ACP North.