A tragic case of group rivalry in Banga, Punjab, has claimed a second life, more than a month after a brazen daylight shooting. Honey Bal, one of the youths injured in the November 17 firing, succumbed to his injuries on Monday night while undergoing treatment at a tertiary care centre in Ludhiana.
Chronology of a Violent Attack
The violent incident unfolded on November 17 on Mukandpur Road, a location merely 200 metres from the Banga police station. According to police reports, a group of three individuals arrived in a Hyundai i20 car and opened fire on five persons who were inside a Mahindra Scorpio vehicle.
The attack resulted in the immediate death of one youth, Rimpal Poonia. Four others, including Honey Bal, sustained serious injuries. Police investigations later revealed that the crime involved a larger group, with over a dozen youths allegedly participating in the orchestrated assault.
Investigation Stalls as Main Accused Remain at Large
Authorities have stated that the violence stemmed from a rivalry between two groups of local youths. While police sources confirm that approximately 10 suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, a critical hurdle remains. The four individuals identified as the main accused are still absconding, evading capture.
Adding a grave dimension to the crime, police sources indicated a strong suspicion that at least one licensed weapon was used during the firing. This detail has sparked significant public outrage and political scrutiny.
Political Reaction and Demands for Accountability
The use of a potentially licensed firearm has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders. Former Banga MLA Mohan Lal has publicly questioned the process of issuing arms licenses to individuals with known criminal records. He expressed dismay that despite considerable time having passed since the incident, the primary perpetrators have not been apprehended.
"The fact that licensed weapons may have been used in this heinous crime points to a serious failure in the system," the sentiment echoed by the ex-MLA highlights growing concerns over accountability and the efficacy of the police probe. Both the victims and the accused in this case are reported to be residents of Banga, underscoring the localized nature of the conflict.
