PHAGWARA: A massive manhunt is underway as police intensify their search for the suspects involved in Monday evening’s violent firing near the Banga bus stand that left one youth dead and four others critically injured.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mehtab Singh Gill of Nawanshahr confirmed that multiple teams have been deployed across adjoining districts to track the accused, identified in preliminary reports as travelling in a white Hyundai i20 (PB-32-AA-7878). According to Gill, investigations are continuing “at full pace” — officers are collecting CCTV footage, checking traffic and toll records, and conducting raids in known hideouts. He stated that the perpetrators “must be brought to justice swiftly” to restore peace in the already tense locality.
The fatal incident occurred when assailants opened fire on a Scorpio vehicle (PB-12-AB-4627) carrying Honey Bal @ Hani, his brother Harpreet, and three other friends — Rimple (22), Sujal (21), and Sahil @ Bholu — who were on their way to Phagwara. Rimple later succumbed to his severe injuries at DMC Ludhiana, while the rest remain in serious condition.
On the basis of a complaint filed by Pawandeep Singh — Harpreet’s brother — the Banga police have registered an FIR under Sections 103, 109, 324(4), 190, 191(3) of the BNS, along with relevant provisions of the Arms Act, against six named suspects, including Ajay and two youths named Saurav.
Local sources suggest that this attack may be connected to a longstanding enmity — notably with the victim Honey Bal being the brother of Babbu Maan, who reportedly has a criminal background. In response to the shooting, law enforcement has heightened security in the region, setting up checkpoints and stepping up patrols to prevent any retaliatory violence.
As the investigation proceeds, police have appealed to residents and shopkeepers in Banga and nearby areas to come forward with any information that could help identify the attackers.