Two separate incidents of gunfire, purportedly linked to extortion attempts, have created a climate of fear across the Amritsar rural belt. The attacks, occurring within approximately 30 minutes of each other on Sunday evening, targeted locations in Nath Di Khui and Rayya, raising concerns about escalating criminal activity.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the first incident took place around 6:32 pm near Nath Di Khui. Unidentified assailants opened fire outside Dhalla Jewellers, a shop believed to be owned by Angrej Singh of Chananke village. While no injuries were reported, the act of violence instilled apprehension among local traders and residents.
Shortly thereafter, at approximately 7:00 pm, two individuals on a motorcycle allegedly discharged nearly eight rounds outside a Kajaria showroom in Rayya, situated within the jurisdiction of the Beas police station. The showroom is reportedly owned by Harpreet Singh Happy, an Akali Dal candidate for Ward Number 4 and the son of the late SGPC member and former Rayya Municipal Committee president, Gurvinder Pal Singh Rayya. Sources suggest that Harpreet Singh had previously received extortion-related threats.
Although the police have not officially confirmed the extortion motive behind the shootings, the two back-to-back incidents have amplified anxieties regarding the rise of gangsterism and targeted firing incidents across Punjab. The synchronized nature of the attacks has prompted a swift response from law enforcement agencies.
The series of shootings also drew sharp political criticism. Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia voiced strong accusations against the ruling Punjab government, asserting its failure to effectively curb crime. Majithia contended that businessmen throughout the state are living under persistent fear, with criminal elements operating with impunity.
Majithia further elaborated, stating that incidents of firing, extortion rackets, and widespread gangster activity are rapidly becoming a normalized feature of life in Punjab. He alleged that traders and ordinary citizens are subjected to constant fear, while criminals continue to carry out their activities openly in public spaces without apparent deterrents.
Businessmen within the Majha region have also voiced their grave concerns regarding the escalating trend of extortion threats and firing incidents that specifically target commercial establishments and individuals engaged in business. The lack of perceived security is reportedly impacting the commercial environment.
Police teams were immediately dispatched to both crime scenes to commence their investigations. Authorities are actively scanning CCTV footage from adjacent areas in an effort to identify the perpetrators. As of late Sunday evening, no arrests had been reported in connection with the incidents. The investigations are ongoing, with a focus on gathering forensic evidence and witness testimonies.
The incidents highlight a significant law and order challenge for the district and state administration. The Amritsar rural police have reportedly increased patrolling in the affected areas and are working to gather intelligence on potential criminal networks operating in the region. The focus remains on apprehending the individuals responsible and restoring a sense of security among the populace.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
