A complete bandh was observed in Phagwara on Wednesday after attack on Shiv Sena Punjab state vice-president Inderjit Karwal and his son Zimmi Karwal.
An uneasy calm prevailed in Phagwara on Wednesday as the city observed a complete bandh following an attack on Shiv Sena Punjab state vice-president Inderjit Karwal and his son Zimmi Karwal on Tuesday evening. The assault, carried out by a group of armed assailants, has sparked outrage among Hindu organisations, who have called for decisive police action.
SSP Gaurav Toora who, along with SP Phagwara Madhvi Sharma, said the city police had registered a case under Sections 109, 126(2), 190, 191(3), 25 of the BNS against six assailants. Two of them have been identified as Tanish, alias Binda, and Sunil, both residents of Balmiki Mohalla in Phagwara.
According to the complaint, the assailants intercepted the father-son duo near Gaushala Bazar, surrounded them and brutally beat them up with the intent to kill before firing gunshots to terrorise the public and fleeing the scene. The condition of the victims, who are admitted at Civil Hospital, Phagwara, is stated to be critical.
Phagwara SP Madhvi Sharma said the attack might have been provoked by previous personal disputes. Leaders from various expressed concern over what they described as “deteriorating law and order” and demanded the immediate arrest of all the assailants.
Supported by local representatives, including MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal and Mayor Ram Paul Uppal, they asked the state government to ensure the safety of citizens.
Phagwara came to a standstill as markets and commercial establishments remained closed as part of the citywide shutdown called by the Shiv Sena and other Hindu groups. The bandh passed peacefully with the police patrolling sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, on a call given by the Phagwara Bar Association, headed by Advocate Ravinder Sharma, lawyers observed a "no work day" on Wednesday in view of the bandh call.
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