In a brazen daylight attack, former councillor Narinderpal Singh Sidhu was shot and injured at his residence in Moga on Tuesday. Two unidentified assailants, arriving on a motorcycle, opened fire at Sidhu, grazing his thigh and shoulder before fleeing the scene.
Attack Details and Police Investigation
According to police officers, the incident occurred while Sidhu was sitting on the lawns of his home. The attackers reportedly approached him under the guise of seeking help with some work. They then fired bullets, which struck his thigh and shoulder. The former councillor was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Moga, where his condition is reported to be stable.
Law enforcement has registered a case of attempt to murder and has launched a thorough investigation. A key part of the probe involves reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity to identify the motorcycle and the shooters. Initial suspicions point towards personal enmity as the likely motive behind the targeted assault. The investigation into the Tuesday attack is ongoing.
Political Outcry Over State's Security
The shooting has triggered sharp condemnation from major political parties, who have seized the moment to criticize the perceived deterioration of law and order in Punjab. Leaders from both the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress party voiced their anger on social media platforms.
SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring both posted strong messages condemning the attack on the Congress leader. They argued that such violent incidents are becoming a daily occurrence, signaling a serious breakdown in the state's security apparatus. The political backlash underscores the growing concern over public safety in Punjab.
Aftermath and Ongoing Probe
While Narinderpal Singh Sidhu recovers from his injuries, the pressure is on the police to apprehend the culprits. The use of a motorcycle for the hit-and-run attack, a common modus operandi, presents a challenge for investigators. The case highlights the urgent need for effective policing and intelligence gathering to prevent such targeted crimes.
The incident in Moga is a stark reminder of the volatile security situation, with political figures expressing fear that no one feels safe. The police continue to investigate all angles, hoping the CCTV review will provide a crucial breakthrough in the case.
