A professional rivalry at a popular flower market in Chandigarh turned deadly on Friday night, resulting in two brothers being hospitalised with severe stab wounds. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local business community and prompted a major police search operation.
Violent Escalation at Sector-26 Market
The peaceful evening at the bustling Sector-26 flower market was shattered when a verbal dispute between business competitors rapidly escalated into a brutal knife attack. The victims have been identified as 21-year-old Rahul and his 24-year-old brother Honey, both residents of Bapudham Colony. According to eyewitness accounts, the argument with another local vendor, identified as Imran Qureshi, quickly spiralled out of control.
Witnesses reported that Qureshi allegedly retrieved a knife from a nearby stall and launched a frenzied attack on the two brothers. The assault left both Rahul and Honey collapsed and bleeding on the pavement. Alert passersby immediately contacted the authorities using the 112 emergency helpline, summoning police and medical aid to the scene.
Critical Injuries and Police Response
The brothers sustained significant injuries in the attack. Rahul (21) suffered a deep knife wound to his abdomen. Due to the severity of his condition, he was rushed to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), where he remains in a critical state. His older brother, Honey (24), was stabbed in the thigh. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Govt Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH) in Sector 16.
Officers from the Sector-26 police station arrived swiftly after the incident. Based on initial statements from the victims, a formal case has been registered against Imran Qureshi, who allegedly fled the scene immediately after the attack. A police spokesperson confirmed that a manhunt is underway, stating, "Raids are being conducted to search for the absconded accused. The suspect will be arrested soon."
Root Cause: A Long-Standing Professional Feud
While investigators are still examining all possible motives, preliminary reports strongly indicate that the violence stemmed from intense professional competition and a long-standing rivalry over stall space within the crowded market. Such disputes are not uncommon in high-footfall commercial areas, but this particular clash took an exceptionally violent turn.
The incident has highlighted tensions within the market's vendor community. Police are now working to apprehend the accused while also looking into the underlying issues that led to this tragic event, aiming to prevent any further escalation or retaliation.
