Five months after a violent robbery in Ludhiana, the victim remains in severe pain while the accused continue to roam free, raising questions about the effectiveness of the police investigation. The incident, which occurred in the Haibowal area, left the victim with serious injuries, including a fractured skull and internal bleeding. Despite the severity of the attack, no arrests have been made, and the family is growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress.
Details of the Incident
On the night of April 15, the victim, a 45-year-old shopkeeper, was returning home when he was ambushed by two unidentified assailants. The attackers beat him with iron rods and fled with cash and valuables worth over Rs 2 lakh. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries. He has since been discharged but continues to suffer from memory loss and difficulty in speech.
Police Response Under Scrutiny
The Haibowal police station registered a case under sections of robbery and attempt to murder, but the investigation has stalled. The victim's family claims that the police have not made any significant efforts to identify the suspects, despite having CCTV footage from the area. A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the investigation is ongoing and that they are following leads, but the family remains unconvinced.
- Victim's Condition: The victim, who was the sole breadwinner, is now unable to work, causing financial strain on the family.
- Suspects' Status: The two suspects, whose faces were captured on CCTV, have not been apprehended. The family has circulated their photos on social media, but to no avail.
- Community Outrage: Local residents have expressed concern over the rising crime rate and the perceived inefficiency of the police in solving cases.
Family's Plea for Justice
The victim's wife, in a tearful appeal, has urged the police commissioner to intervene and ensure that the culprits are brought to book. She said, 'My husband is suffering every day. The police are not doing their job. We need justice.' The family has also approached the local MLA for support, who has promised to raise the matter in the assembly.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal experts point out that delays in investigation can lead to evidence being lost and witnesses becoming unavailable. They emphasize the need for timely action in such cases. Advocate Rajesh Sharma, a criminal lawyer, said, 'In robbery cases, the first 48 hours are crucial. After that, it becomes difficult to trace the suspects. The police need to be more proactive.'
Meanwhile, the police have assured the family that they are working on the case and have formed a special team to track down the suspects. However, with each passing day, the family's hope for justice diminishes. The victim continues to undergo physiotherapy and is still unable to speak properly. The incident has left a deep scar on the family, who now live in constant fear.
The case highlights the challenges faced by victims of violent crimes in India, where justice is often delayed and sometimes denied. As the family waits for the police to act, the suspects remain at large, potentially posing a threat to others in the community.
