Attack on Temple in EWS Colony Sparks Outrage
Around two dozen alleged miscreants pelted stones at a temple in Ludhiana's EWS Colony on Monday, July 6, after residents objected to their alleged drug-selling activities. A video of the incident has surfaced, purportedly showing some of the attackers brandishing swords and other sharp weapons. The accused also allegedly damaged glass panes inside the temple. During the violence, a 20-year-old youth, Gaurav, was allegedly assaulted and seriously injured, requiring hospital treatment.
Residents Protest Alleged Police Inaction
Alleging police inaction, residents staged a protest outside Division No. 7 police station late at night, demanding that the accused be booked under the SC/ST Act and for alleged sacrilege, and be arrested immediately. Based on the complaint of the injured youth, the police registered a case against six identified accused and 20–25 unidentified persons.
Background: Community Efforts to Curb Drug Sales
According to local resident Chanderpal, some individuals had allegedly been selling drugs in the EWS Colony. Members of the Valmiki community, along with local elders, had reportedly tried to stop them, claiming they wanted to prevent the area’s youth from falling into drug addiction. Residents alleged that the accused became enraged after being confronted and returned to the colony on Monday, where they allegedly created a ruckus.
Community Supports Anti-Drug Campaign
Members of the Valmiki community said they were supporting the Punjab government’s anti-drug campaign led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and wanted to keep their locality free from narcotics. “We clearly told them not to sell drugs in our area because our children were being ruined. Instead, they attacked us with bricks, knives and swords. They even entered our temple and committed sacrilege,” the complainants alleged.
Police Action and Investigation
Angered by what they described as delayed police action, residents held a protest outside the police station. The police have registered a case against six identified accused — Shera, Aryan, Pawan Balyan, Mulla, Deepu and Suraj, all residents of EWS Colony, Tajpur Road — along with 20–25 unidentified persons. The investigation is underway.
