Ludhiana: Painter shot at for denying assignment in Dehlon

A resident of Aasi Kalan village had asked Avtar Singh to paint his shops but the latter refused as he already had some assignments; accused and his aides fired at Avtar who sustained a finger injury, says complainant’s father

A painter was shot at during an attack over a petty issue in Ludhiana’s Dehlon area, resulting in a finger injury late on Monday evening. According to the police, the accused was forcing the victim to paint his shops, but the latter showed his inability due to other assignments. The assailants opened fire thrice targeting the victim and his father, an autorickshaw driver, the police said. One of the bullets grazed the victim’s finger. The assailants escaped from the spot.

Jagdev Singh, father of the man who was targeted, shows his injury in Ludhiana on Monday. (HT photo)

The victims, identified as Avtar Singh and his father Jagdev Singh, are residents of Dehlon. Avtar sustained serious injuries while his father escaped with minor bruises. Avtar, who works as a painter, was admitted to the civil hospital.

The police have booked Rajinder Singh, alias Karan, of Aasi Kalan village and Jaspal Singh of Dehlon village, while one of their aides is yet to be identified.

According to Jagdev Singh, the trouble began when his son had a disagreement with Rajinder Singh, a shop owner from Aasi Kala village. He added that Rajinder Singh had asked his son Avtar Singh to paint his shops, but Avtar expressed his inability as he had other assignments. It reportedly angered Rajinder, leading to tension between the two.

Jagdev Singh further added that while returning home from a work assignment on Monday evening, Avtar was assaulted near his village by Rajinder, Jaspal Singh and their aides. Jagdev was passing through that spot in his autorickshaw when he saw them and intervened to save his son.

He alleged that Rajinder Singh flashed a gun and fired three bullets targeting them. One of the bullets grazed Avtar’s finger, narrowly missing him. The attackers then fled leaving them injured.

On being informed, the Dehlon police reached the spot and initiated an investigation. ASI Sulakhan Singh, who is investigating the case, said an FIR under Sections 109, 115(2) and 3(5) of BNS and Section 25 of the Arms Act has been lodged against the accused. A hunt is on for the arrest of the accused.