BANGA, Punjab, Nov 17 — Five youths were injured in a shooting near the Banga bus stand on Monday, two critically, police said, in an attack linked to a longstanding local rivalry.
Honey Bal, a resident of Mehrampur, was with friends Rimpal, Sujan, and Noni when a white Hyundai i20 carrying three to four unidentified assailants approached and opened fire, discharging about a dozen rounds. All four passengers in the Scorpio were hit, authorities said.
The injured were taken to Guru Nanak Mission Charitable Hospital, Dhahan, and two victims were later referred to DMC Ludhiana. Police sources noted that Honey Bal, the main victim, is the brother of Babbu Maan, a local figure with a criminal record, indicating the attack may stem from ongoing enmity between groups.
An FIR has been registered against the identified accused, and police are examining CCTV footage, conducting raids, and strengthening patrolling in nearby areas.
In a separate incident around 4:50 pm, Onkar Singh (40) was injured in an attempted robbery near Dhahan railway crossing. Two unidentified youths on a motorcycle tried to snatch his mobile and purse, and in the scuffle, a shot struck Singh in the right hand before the suspects fled.
Police have intensified efforts to track the assailants in both cases, emphasizing that public safety remains their priority.
