Ludhiana: A long-standing feud between two criminal factions erupted into a violent shootout in Mahadev Colony on Monday night, leaving one man wounded and sending terrified shopkeepers fleeing for cover.The clash, which unfolded in full public view in the Sahnewal area, involved heavy stone-pelting and the exchange of multiple gunshots. Witnesses have reported that the two groups converged on the market in the Kanganwal area late on Monday evening. What began as a verbal altercation escalated quickly into a riot, with members of both factions hurling bricks and stones at one another.As the violence intensified, gunmen from both sides opened fire. A man identified as Ukesh, allegedly a member of the “Bohimia” group, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the crossfire. The chaos forced local business owners to abruptly shutter their shops to avoid the fray.Police Action and ChargesSahnewal police station SHO, inspector Gurmukh Singh, confirmed that an FIR (first-information report) has been lodged against members of both factions. The charges include attempt to murder, rioting, and violations of the Arms Act. Police have named several key suspects in the FIR, including Bohimia, Masla, and Bablu Star Boy from one faction, and Mani Khachhar and Aman Bains from the rival group, along with several unidentified accomplices.Inspector Gurmukh Singh said: “Several of the accused have extensive criminal backgrounds and have been involved in previous clashes. This incident is a direct result of their ongoing rivalry. We are currently conducting raids to apprehend those involved.”Investigations have revealed that one of the suspects, Mani Khachhar, was already wanted by Ludhiana police for a separate violent incident on January 25 in New Azad Nagar. That dispute reportedly began over a tent installed for a six-year-old’s birthday party. The victim, Ajay Kumar, alleged that a neighbor took issue with the party decorations and summoned Mani and Ravi Khachhar to the scene. The pair allegedly brandished a firearm and attempted to shoot Kumar, but the weapon malfunctioned.
