A convicted criminal who was out on bail has been accused of fracturing a scrap dealer’s arm and skull with a knife after the victim refused to pay extortion money in Ludhiana’s Killa Mohalla. The incident occurred on a recent evening when the accused, identified as Shiva Bhatti, along with several accomplices, stormed into the victim’s shop. The victim, Satish Kumar, a 42-year-old local shopkeeper, had earlier refused to pay the demanded protection money, known locally as hafta. Satish had previously paid Bhatti ₹2,000 and ₹3,000 after being threatened.
Details of the Attack
According to Satish, Shiva Bhatti called him hours before the attack, threatening him over the phone. Shortly thereafter, Bhatti barged into the shop with his gang. The assailants used a knife to inflict severe injuries on Satish, fracturing his arm and skull. The Division Number 4 police have registered a first-information report (FIR) against Bhatti, his brother Deepak Bhatti, an associate named Honey, and several unidentified suspects. The charges filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita include causing grievous injuries in an armed attack, criminal intimidation, armed rioting, and wrongful restraint.
Police Response and Victim’s Concerns
Sub-Inspector Jaspal Singh stated that the charges reflect the medical report from the official civil hospital. However, Satish has criticized the investigation, alleging that the police initially downplayed the assault by logging it under simple scuffle charges, despite his fractures. He expressed concern that the severity of the attack was not adequately addressed in the initial police report.
Shiva Bhatti has a history of violent offenses, including attempted murder, and remains on the run. Police are tracking his location to make an arrest. The case highlights ongoing issues of extortion and violent crime in the area, as well as concerns about the handling of such cases by local authorities.
