Five injured in Banga firing; police link attack to old rivalry, FIR filed

Tension gripped the Banga area on Monday afternoon after a firing incident between two local groups left five youths injured, two of them critically.

SSP, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, confirming the incident late evening, said preliminary police information indicates the confrontation stemmed from an ongoing rivalry between the groups.

The shooting occurred near Banga bus stand this evening. Honey Bal, a resident of Mehrampur, was sitting in his Scorpio with his friends Rimpal (22), Sujan (21) and Noni (23).

Police said a white Hyundai i20 carrying three to four unidentified youths pulled up, opened fire, and discharged about a dozen rounds before fleeing. All four occupants of the Scorpio sustained gunshot injuries.

Local shopkeepers rushed to the spot, alerted emergency services, and the injured were taken to Guru Nanak Mission Charitable Hospital, Dhahan. Rimpal’s condition was stated to be serious; the two other critically injured victims were referred to DMC Ludhiana for advanced treatment.

Police sources said the main victim, Honey Bal, is the brother of Babbu Maan of Mehrampur, who has a criminal background, and the attack appears linked to long‑standing enmity.

An FIR has been registered naming the identified accused. Police are reviewing CCTV footage, conducting raids, and have alerted nakas and patrolling units in adjoining areas.

In a separate incident, around 4.50 pm, a man was injured during an attempted robbery near the railway crossing at Dhahan village under the Sadar Banga police station. Onkar Singh (40) was riding his motorcycle from Chakk Bilga to Dhahan when two unidentified youths intercepted him. One pointed a pistol and demanded his mobile phone and purse. In the scuffle, Singh pushed the weapon aside; a shot was fired, striking him in the right hand. The suspects fled immediately.

Police have initiated investigations in both cases and intensified efforts to identify and apprehend the accused.