A dispute over removing a dust cart in Meerut's Jalalpur village escalated into communal tension. Late at night, miscreants fired 12 rounds, injuring several villagers. Police arrested five people, including the main accused, Asif.
Meerut: On Thursday night, an atmosphere of fear and chaos gripped Jalalpur village in the Lohia Nagar police station area of Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh. A minor altercation that began during the day over removing a cart turned into a bloody conflict late at night. Both groups exchanged heavy gunfire. In this firing, an elderly villager named Mangal was injured, and a young man named Mohit was also severely wounded. After the incident, the village remains in a state of tension and panic.
Dispute Began Over a Cart
On Thursday afternoon, Mohit, a resident of Jalalpur, had parked a dust-filled cart outside his house. During this time, Asif, a resident of Ghosipur, asked him to clear the way. The minor argument escalated into a physical altercation between the two. The matter reached the police station, where the police mediated and brought about a compromise between both parties.
However, despite the compromise, the mutual tension did not subside. Villagers state that there was also an old rivalry between the two groups, which further fueled the dispute. As evening fell, the situation deteriorated again, and one side began preparing for an attack.
Masked Assailants Attacked Mohit's House
Around 8 PM, the roar of several motorcycles was suddenly heard in the village. Asif returned to the village with over 20 associates. All the attackers were masked and armed with country-made pistols and sharp weapons. In no time, they launched an attack on Mohit's house.
As soon as the attackers entered the village, they began firing indiscriminately. Villagers reported that more than 12 rounds were fired. This sudden attack caused a stampede in the village, and people hid in their homes to save their lives.
During the firing, an elderly villager named Mangal was shot, and Mohit sustained severe head injuries. Both were immediately taken to the hospital. The firing created an atmosphere of fear throughout the village. People started calling each other to inquire about the situation.
The attackers not only fired shots but also set fire to a motorcycle parked at the scene. In no time, the bike was completely reduced to ashes. This arson further escalated the tension, and the villagers were completely terrified.
Arrest of Five Accused
Upon receiving information about the firing, police forces reached the village. Officials took charge and brought the situation under control. Police recovered eight empty cartridges from the crime scene. SP City Ayush Vikram Singh stated that five people, including the main accused Asif, have been arrested.
Three special teams have been formed to search for the remaining accused, and raids are being conducted. The injured have been admitted to the district hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable. Additionally, considering the tension in the village, police forces have been deployed to keep the situation fully under control.
