Chandigarh, India – In a violent late-night clash, a 28-year-old banker sustained critical injuries after being assaulted with swords by a group of attackers. The incident took place in the bustling Sector 44 market around 2 a.m. on Monday. Law enforcement officials have identified a monetary dispute as the primary motive behind the attack.
The victim, Ankur Panwar, was reportedly ambushed by Puneet Arora and up to seven others, whom police say had a history of financial disagreements with Panwar. Arora has been detained, and authorities are currently searching for the remaining suspects involved in this grave assault.
According to local police, the attackers arrived at the scene in a black Hyundai Verna, a white Maruti Swift, and on several motorcycles. Armed with swords, they targeted Panwar and two of his friends as they were returning home, inflicting severe injuries on Panwar.
In an attempt to disperse the attackers and protect his friends, Abhinav Tomar, a companion of Panwar, fired two gunshots into the air. This action momentarily stalled the assault, enabling the victims to seek immediate medical help while the assailants fled the scene. Police later retrieved two empty bullet casings from the site and have record of the gunfire from CCTV footage.
The severity of the attack left Panwar with extensive injuries requiring urgent medical attention. He was admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Sector 32, where he remains in a critical condition.
Eyewitness accounts from Khushvinder Singh, who shares a residence with Panwar and two other friends, noted that the group was returning from an unsuccessful trip to buy pizza when they were ambushed. The attack appears to be the climax of ongoing hostilities, with previous attempts by both parties to harm each other being reported.
Further investigation into the incident has unveiled a long-standing feud between Panwar, his associates, and Arora. The police have determined that both factions had made prior attempts to physically confront each other, resulting in an ongoing cycle of retaliation.
Authorities have lodged cross complaints under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act, reflecting the serious nature of the offenses committed by both parties involved in the conflict. Law enforcement continues to review CCTV footage from the area and gather evidence to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances leading to the violent encounter.
The police are committed to a thorough investigation to ensure all individuals involved in the incident are held accountable for their actions. This case highlights the escalating cycle of violence often stemming from unresolved disputes and the critical role law enforcement plays in maintaining public safety in urban settings.