Family Faces Harassment and Assault in Busy Ludhiana Market
A shocking incident of public harassment and assault has been reported from the bustling Dugri Phase-1 market in Ludhiana. A family, which had stopped briefly to purchase food, found itself under attack from a group of balloon sellers after they refused to buy their products. The altercation quickly escalated into physical violence and vandalism, prompting police intervention.
Details of the Dugri Market Altercation
The incident occurred when the family, comprising a salon owner, his wife, their two daughters, and an employee, stopped at a restaurant in the market to pick up chicken on their way home. According to the police complaint filed by the mother, a few balloon sellers approached her daughters and began persistently insisting they purchase balloons.
When the girls declined, the sellers allegedly started harassing them. The girls' father intervened, asking the men to leave them alone. This request, however, triggered a violent response. The main accused, identified as Dhruv Khatri of Shaheed Karnail Singh Nagar, Hans Saini, and Roshan Anand, along with about ten other unidentified accomplices who were present near a nearby gym, launched an attack.
The woman stated in her complaint that the group assaulted her husband, molested her, and extensively damaged the family's car before fleeing the scene. The attack occurred in full public view in the crowded market area, causing significant alarm.
Police Action and Legal Charges Filed
The family immediately contacted the police, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR). ASI Amolak Singh, the investigating officer, confirmed that an initial inquiry was conducted before lodging the formal case.
The accused have been booked under multiple stringent sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include:
- Voluntarily causing hurt (Section 115(2))
- Wrongful restraint (Section 126(2))
- Mischief causing damage to property (Section 324(4))
- Assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to disrobe her (Section 76)
- Criminal intimidation (Section 351(2))
As of now, the accused have not been arrested. Police officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying and apprehending the ten unnamed accomplices who participated in the assault and vandalism.
Community Concern and Ongoing Investigation
This brazen attack in a popular market has raised serious safety concerns among local residents and business owners in Dugri. The fact that a family could be targeted for simply refusing a street vendor highlights issues of public security in busy commercial areas.
The Ludhiana police are actively pursuing the case. The combination of charges, particularly those related to assault on a woman and causing damage, indicates the severity with which the authorities are treating this incident. The community awaits swift action and arrests to ensure such intimidation and violence is not repeated.
