PHAGWARA: A wave of fear and anger swept through Phagwara on Tuesday night after a violent attack on Shiv Sena Punjab State Vice President Inderjit Karwal and his son Zimmi Karwal. The shocking assault has prompted Shiv Sena to declare a complete Phagwara Bandh on Wednesday in protest against what they allege is growing lawlessness in the region.
The incident took place near Gaushala Road when around six unidentified assailants, reportedly armed with swords and riding motorcycles, surrounded the father-son duo. The attackers allegedly struck with lethal intent, inflicting serious wounds before speeding away. To terrorize bystanders further, the assailants even fired gunshots in the air, triggering panic among nearby residents.
Zimmi Karwal sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to Civil Hospital Phagwara, where he remains under intensive treatment. Inderjit Karwal was also hospitalized, though police have yet to disclose the full extent of his injuries.
Senior police officials swiftly reached the site. DSP Bharat Bhushan conducted an inspection while SP Phagwara Madhvi Sharma confirmed that the assault may be connected to an ongoing personal rivalry. She assured that the police have been placed on high alert and a search operation is underway to track down the culprits.
The attack has provoked outrage within local Hindu organizations and the Shiv Sena cadre, many of whom gathered at the hospital late into the night to show support. Additional police deployment has been made to maintain order and prevent any further unrest.
Speaking from the hospital, Sena leader Karwal condemned the administration, accusing both civil and police authorities of adopting a “policy of appeasement” and failing to ensure citizens’ safety. In response to the attack, he announced a complete shutdown of Phagwara on Wednesday and called upon supporters and the general public to unite against rising crime in the city.
The incident has sharply escalated tensions in Phagwara, with authorities closely monitoring the situation as the city braces for Wednesday’s bandh.