Ludhiana, April 12: A group of nine men attacked a café owner in Samrala’s main market, leaving him with multiple fractures and serious injuries in what police described as a planned retaliation over a billing dispute from last month.
The victim, Malkit Singh, suffered a fractured knee, a broken arm and serious injuries to his hand. He has been referred to the Government Hospital in Sector 32, Chandigarh. “I ran to save my life, but they caused heavy damage to my café and vehicle,” Singh said.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Samrala) Tarlochan Singh confirmed that a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including attempt to murder, has been registered at the Samrala police station. “Raids are being conducted to arrest the accused,” the DSP said.
The prime accused, Sunil Kumar Bachi, along with eight associates, allegedly stormed the café armed with swords, iron rods and sticks. The group vandalised the establishment and a nearby parked car before fleeing the scene, police said.
According to investigators, the accused had previously visited the café on March 2, when a heated argument erupted over a bill involving the owner’s son. Though the disagreement was settled at the time, the group allegedly conspired to launch a violent attack in retaliation.
Dr. Prabhjot Singh, who is overseeing the victim’s treatment, confirmed the extent of the injuries. “Malkit Singh has sustained a fractured knee and arm, along with other serious wounds,” he said.
The accused have been booked under Sections 109 (attempt to murder), 333 (house trespass), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 118(1) (causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons), 191(3) (rioting while armed), 190 (unlawful assembly with common object), and 324(4) (mischief) of the BNS.
