In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the political circles of Punjab, Shiv Sena leader Inderjit Singh Karwal and his son were brutally attacked by armed assailants near Phagwara. The violent assault occurred on Tuesday evening, leaving both victims with critical gunshot wounds.
The Violent Ambush: Timeline of Events
The attack unfolded around 6:30 PM on Tuesday when Karwal, a prominent Shiv Sena figure, was traveling with his son in their vehicle. According to preliminary investigations, four unidentified assailants riding two motorcycles intercepted their car near the Shambhu border area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Sadar Phagwara police station.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attackers blocked the vehicle's path before opening fire indiscriminately. Inderjit Karwal sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen, while his son was hit in the shoulder and arm. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the shooting, taking advantage of the ensuing chaos.
Immediate Aftermath and Police Response
Local residents rushed both victims to a nearby private hospital in Phagwara, where they were initially stabilized. Given the severity of their injuries, doctors later referred them to a specialized trauma center in Jalandhar for advanced medical treatment. Medical sources confirm that both father and son remain in critical but stable condition.
Law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation into the attack. Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh has confirmed that multiple police teams are working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The investigation is exploring various angles, including political rivalry and personal enmity as potential motives.
Political Reactions and Security Concerns
The attack has triggered widespread condemnation from political leaders across party lines. Local Shiv Sena members have expressed outrage over the incident, demanding immediate arrest of the culprits and enhanced security for political workers.
This incident highlights the growing concerns about political violence in the region, particularly as it involves a recognized political figure. The Phagwara area has witnessed similar incidents in the past, raising questions about the safety of public figures and the effectiveness of law enforcement measures.
Police authorities have assured the public that they are pursuing all possible leads and have increased surveillance in the area. The investigation continues as authorities examine CCTV footage from nearby establishments and question potential witnesses to piece together the sequence of events leading to this brazen attack.
