Three Arrested in Himachal Pradesh Road Rage Incident Involving Stabbing and Firing
In a shocking case of road rage, three occupants of a Thar SUV were arrested on Wednesday night after allegedly stabbing four individuals and firing a pistol in the air in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district. The incident, which unfolded near Bairghatta in Thural tehsil, has sent ripples through the local community and prompted swift police action.
Violent Confrontation Erupts on Busy Highway
According to police reports, the confrontation began around 8:30 pm when the Thar SUV repeatedly blocked a Delhi-bound private Volvo bus that was traveling from Bir Billing. The situation escalated dramatically at Chulla, where the Thar driver stopped abruptly and reversed into the bus. When the bus driver stepped out to investigate the collision, one of the suspects stabbed him, as detailed in a complaint filed by the Volvo bus conductor and a resident of Chamba district.
Multiple Victims Attacked as Situation Spirals
The complaint further alleged that as staff from two following buses arrived to intervene, the suspects launched additional attacks, stabbing two more conductors and another driver. This brought the total number of victims to four, identified as drivers Sunder Singh and Vijay Kumar, and conductors Raj Kumar and Pravesh Kumar. All victims were promptly rushed to the Thural community health centre for initial treatment, with Raj Kumar and Vijay Kumar later referred to Government Medical College in Tanda for more advanced care due to the severity of their injuries.
Suspects Brandish Weapon and Fire Shots
As a crowd of locals gathered at the scene, the situation took an even more dangerous turn. One of the suspects brandished a pistol, threatened the assembled group, and fired a shot into the air in an apparent attempt to intimidate bystanders. Police from the Bhawarna station arrived swiftly at the location and managed to overpower the three men, who were allegedly intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Police Identify Suspects and Seize Evidence
Police have identified the arrested suspects as Balwinder Singh and Alish, both from Pathankot, and Nishan Pal from Hoshiarpur. Kangra ASP Bir Bahadur confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody, and authorities have seized the Thar SUV, the knife used in the stabbings, and the pistol fired during the altercation. A case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, reflecting the serious nature of the offenses.
Community and Legal Response
This incident highlights the dangers of road rage and the potential for minor traffic disputes to escalate into violent confrontations. The quick response by local police prevented further harm, but the event has raised concerns about public safety on highways in the region. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the altercation and ensure that justice is served for the victims.
