SHO shifted to Lines for Nihangs attack on eatery

SHO Anil Kumar of Police Station Number 3 has been sent to the Police Lines after allegations of negligence in a violent attack on a soya chaap shop at Milap Chowk, here.

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The action was taken after shopkeepers and victims accused the SHO of not responding to repeated calls for help during the incident. Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur issued orders and appointed Sub-Inspector Rajinder Singh as the new station in-charge.

The incident took place last Wednesday evening when a group of around 15 men, dressed as Nihang Singhs, attacked Duggal Veg Chaap shop at Milap Chowk. The attackers, armed with swords, vandalised the shop, damaged counters and glass cabinets.

The attack reportedly followed an argument over a delayed order. Mohit, shop owner, and his son were seriously injured in the assault.

According to the victim's family and nearby shopkeepers, they repeatedly called SHO Anil Kumar when the incident took place, but he did not answer. Despite the police station being just 150 metres from the scene, there was no timely response from the police. The delay in action angered local traders, who protested outside Police Station No. 3 the following day, demanding strict action against the SHO and immediate arrests of the accused.

The entire attack was captured on CCTV, and by the time the police arrived, the attackers had fled the scene. The Traders Forum expressed concern over the incident, especially as the city was on high alert with the VVIP movement earlier that day, including visits by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal. The traders warned of a city-wide shutdown if arrests were not made quickly.

ADCP Naresh Dogra had then assured the protesting traders that swift action would be taken and all those involved would be arrested soon.

So far, the police have confirmed the arrest of two accused and are continuing their efforts to track down the remaining attackers.