Ludhiana: A commotion erupted late last night in Lane No. 18 of Ludhiana’s Madhopuri area when two masked criminals on a motorcycle targeted a money transfer businessman.

During the robbery, the criminals opened fire and attacked a neighbor who came to intervene with a sharp weapon, seriously injuring him.

The bullet grazed the shopkeeper’s hand. Onlookers also fought the fleeing criminals.

Robbery Turns Violent

According to reports, Mohammad Anjar Alam was alone at his shop, Sahil Telecom. Two masked men arrived on a motorcycle. The robbers entered the shop and began looting. When confronted, the robbers fired a shot, which struck Anjar Alam’s right hand.

The miscreants said don’t make any noise, take out whatever you have – Anzar Alam

Shopkeeper Recounts Ordeal

Shopkeeper Mohammad Anjar Alam said, “I was at my shop, which sells mobile phones and money transfers. Two criminals came to the shop on a bike. They told me to take out all the money I had. There was no need to make any noise.” Alam said, “I still shouted out of fear. One of the criminals shot me.”

He took the money from my shop, put it in an envelope, and tried to run away. Just then, some people from the neighborhood gathered outside the shop. The scoundrels threatened them, saying, “Come, I’ll see you too.” As the scoundrels began to flee, I struck one of them on the head with a basketball stick. The envelope containing the money fell from the robber’s hand onto the street. The scoundrel was also covered in blood.

Neighbor Attacked, Panic in Area

Hearing the gunfire, Niku, the owner of the nearby Manchanda grocery store, immediately rushed to the scene to help. Seeing themselves cornered, the robbers attacked Niku with a sharp weapon on the head, causing him to collapse, bleeding profusely.

CCTV Captures Aerial Firing

After committing the crime, the robbers started running away from the spot. According to eyewitnesses, while fleeing, the miscreants fired 3-4 rounds in the air to spread terror in the area. The incident was captured on CCTV installed in the area.

The sound of firing created panic in the entire area and people started running here and there to save their lives.

Upon receiving information about the incident, a local police team arrived at the scene. The injured were immediately admitted to a nearby hospital where they are undergoing treatment. Police are examining footage from nearby CCTV cameras to identify the masked criminals.

The accused is currently at large. It is suspected that the criminals conducted a recce of the area before the incident.