PHAGWARA: A shocking incident of gun violence rocked the village of Lakhan Kalan in Kapurthala district on Monday afternoon, where the son of a local sarpanch was targeted in a suspected politically motivated attack.
According to police, the incident occurred around 3 PM when Pavitar Singh, son of Sarpanch Tajinder Kaur, was ambushed by unidentified assailants who opened fire on him near a residence in the village. Sources confirmed that four to five rounds were fired, with one bullet striking Singh in the arm and another grazing his head.
Singh, who survived the attack, later told authorities that he had received a phone call summoning him to the house. He arrived with a friend, who dropped him at the main gate and left. As soon as Singh entered the premises, the attackers reportedly opened fire. Hearing the gunshots, local residents rushed out in panic.
In a desperate bid to save his life, Singh fled towards nearby fields and hid until the danger had passed. He was later taken to Kapurthala Civil Hospital, where doctors have described his condition as stable.
Family members allege that the attack was the result of ongoing rivalry stemming from recent panchayat elections. They claim threats had been made previously by individuals who lost in the election.
A police team from Sadar Police Station, led by SHO Kanwarjit Singh, reached the spot shortly after the incident and has launched an investigation. Authorities are examining all possible angles, including political enmity.
As of now, no arrests have been made. Police say efforts are underway to identify the attackers and bring them to justice.