BJP mediator shot at in Jalandhar market melee

Jalandhar: A local BJP mediator and another man were hospitalised on Tuesday after a property dispute at Maqsudan's wholesale vegetable market escalated into a shootout in the presence of police. Injured mediator Mukesh Kumar "Monu" Puri is head of the local Arhatiya Association. Police commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur has confirmed that Puri was shot in both feet during a meeting intended to resolve a disagreement with a neighbour over shop ownership.The violence broke out around 5.30pm as dozens of supporters from both factions gathered at the market. CCTV footage of the incident shows a chaotic scene where two aggressive groups clash before two gunshots ring out, sending bystanders fleeing. The video reportedly shows at least one cop present during the melee.In the footage, Puri is seen collapsing onto gunny bags after being hit before staggering back to his feet. A man from the rival faction, Karam, also sustained gunshot wounds. Former MLA Sheetal Angural said Puri was out of danger and receiving treatment.Cops now scan the CCTV footage to identify who started shooting during the police-monitored meeting. Maqsudan's wholesale vegetable market remained tense on Tuesday evening as police cordoned off the shooting site. MSID:: 131041714 413 |