A violent confrontation between two rival groups from the same village turned into a bloody brawl in Chhat village near Zirakpur, leaving more than half a dozen people seriously injured, the police said. All the injured were first taken to Dhakoli Hospital and later referred to Chandigarh’s Sector-32 hospital for advanced treatment.
A video of the attack has surfaced, showing a man wielding a sword-like weapon and striking at opponents during the melee.
Both sides of residents of Chhat village have lodged cross-complaints, each accusing the other of a murderous assault.
Members of the Gadariya community alleged that they were on their way to offer prayers to their ancestors when men from the Saini community suddenly surrounded them and launched an attack with weapons. “Five of our people were grievously injured,” a Gadariya group member told the police.
The Saini community, however, offered a different account. They claimed they were preparing for a local cricket tournament when “a group from the Gadariya community gathered and attacked us without provocation”.
The police confirmed receiving complaints from both factions and said an investigation is underway. “We are examining the video evidence and statements from both sides to determine the sequence of events,” an officer stated.
