Ludhiana: A 39‑year‑old photographer was killed and a companion sustained a gunshot wound after occupants of a car allegedly opened fire following a minor traffic dispute near the city’s clock tower late on Monday, police said.
Police say dispute began after a brush between vehicles
The incident occurred around 12.30am, according to statements recorded by the police. The two victims, both photographers who had been attending a birthday gathering in the city’s old area, were travelling in a Maruti Brezza when a two‑wheeler in their group reportedly brushed past a Hyundai Creta. The small collision led to an argument, the police said.
After the initial altercation was apparently settled, the group resumed their journey. Minutes later, a Creta without a number plate is alleged to have overtaken the Brezza near JMD Mall and the clock tower. Occupants of the Creta then fired multiple shots, hitting the passenger in the neck and the other man on the hand, the police said.
“Prima facie, there was a minor altercation over giving way to a vehicle which led to firing,” Additional DCP‑1 Sameer Verma said, adding that the two groups were not known to each other.
- Victim: identified in reports as a 39‑year‑old photographer; reported names include Harminder Singh and Raminder (Sonu).
- Injured: the companion, named in police records as Sanjiv/Sanjeev Kumar, sustained a gunshot wound to the hand and was taken to hospital.
- Vehicle implicated: a Hyundai Creta allegedly with no number plate; police said the occupants opened fire from the moving car.
Investigation under way; FIR lodged
Inspector Ashwani Kumar, SHO of Division No. 1 police station, said an FIR for murder has been registered and teams have been formed to arrest the suspects. ADCP‑1 Sameer Verma said some accused with criminal histories have been identified and some arrests made, and raids are on to apprehend others. Police also said the firearm used was illegal.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~12.30am | Group leaves birthday gathering; minor collision involving two‑wheeler and Creta |
| Minutes later | Creta overtakes Brezza near JMD Mall/clock tower and allegedly fires |
| Shortly after | Victims taken to hospital; passenger declared dead |
Family members reached the hospital in the early hours and said the deceased was not at fault in the dispute. A brother‑in‑law, named in reporting as Gagandeep, said the victim had been shot despite trying to resolve the argument that erupted when the two‑wheeler hit the car.
Local context and concerns
The shooting follows another fatal firearm incident in Ludhiana earlier this month, underlining rising public concern about gun violence in the city’s crowded old localities. Police have emphasised that preliminary investigation has not found any existing personal rivalry between the parties, and that the episode appears to have escalated from a routine road dispute.
Residents in the area and drivers who use the route through the clock tower and JMD Mall told reporters there is growing anxiety over reckless driving and the use of illegal weapons in road‑rage episodes. The police have said they will deploy additional teams to trace the accused and urged witnesses to come forward with CCTV or mobile footage of the incident.
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining vehicle movements, interviewing passengers and witnesses, and scanning nearby CCTV feeds to establish the precise sequence and identify all occupants of the Creta. Further details, including formal identity confirmation of the deceased, will be released by the police as inquiry progresses.
Local commuters are advised to avoid congregating on narrow stretches late at night and to inform police immediately of any aggressive driving or unnumbered vehicles behaving suspiciously.
