Ludhiana Resident Shot After Alleging Police Inaction on Threats
In a shocking incident in Ludhiana, Shakti Pandey, a resident of Fauji Colony, survived a firing attack late on Monday evening near his house. Pandey has alleged that the assault occurred despite his prior complaint to the Moti Nagar police regarding threats from the accused individuals.
Details of the Attack and Police Response
According to Pandey, he had informed the police in writing that the accused had been threatening him, frequently moving around his house and shop, and issuing threats through social media platforms. He claimed that no action was taken by the authorities even after his repeated approaches, leading to the attack where assailants fired gunshots at him, resulting in injuries.
Contradicting this allegation, the police maintained that Pandey had only filed a verbal complaint, and that too on Monday evening. They stated that within minutes of returning home after making this verbal complaint, he was targeted in the shooting incident.
Case Registration and Accused Identified
The Moti Nagar police have registered a case of attempt to murder against four persons identified as Bittu, Ramu, Golu, and Abhishek. Police reports indicate that Pandey, who also serves as the president of the Fauji Colony Welfare Association, was standing in the street near his residence when the four men approached him. One of them pulled out a gun and fired, with the bullet brushing past Pandey, causing him to fall. He was promptly taken to a hospital, where his condition is reported to be stable.
Background and Social Media Allegations
This incident follows a video that Pandey uploaded on his Facebook account on February 22. In the video, he accused Bittu Rajput and his aides of threatening to kill him. Pandey asserted that the accused were involved in drug peddling activities in Fauji Colony and held a grudge against him due to his active efforts in combating the drug menace. Towards the end of the video, he challenged the accused to harm him, highlighting his frustration with the perceived lack of police action.
Police Statement and Investigation
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ADCP, Industrial Area A), Inderjit Singh Boparai, confirmed that a case has been registered against Golu, Ramu, Bittu, and Abhishek for their bid to murder Pandey. He described the accused as notorious individuals with a history of involvement in past scuffles. Boparai noted that they previously resided in Fauji Colony but later shifted to another area, and there is an old rivalry between them and the victim.
When questioned about the allegations of police inaction, ACP Boparai responded, "As per my knowledge, Shakti Pandey visited the police station on Monday and verbally complained against the accused for threatening him. Minutes after returning from the police station, he was attacked. Police will arrest the accused soon." He assured that efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects promptly.
Summary of Key Points
- Shakti Pandey alleges police inaction despite filing a complaint against threats from the accused.
- He was shot at by four assailants near his house on Monday late evening, with the bullet brushing past him.
- Police counter that Pandey had given only a verbal complaint, including one made on Monday evening.
- An attempt to murder case has been registered against Bittu, Ramu, Golu, and Abhishek.
- Pandey, who is stable, posted a Facebook video on February 22 alleging death threats and accusing the men of drug peddling.
- ACP Inderjit Singh Boparai states the accused are notorious, involved in past scuffles, and share an old rivalry with Pandey.
