As women candidates’supporters clash, husbands land in hospital

Around 10 people sustained injuries when supporters of the BJP and the Independent candidate contesting the forthcoming civic polls from Ludhiana's ward number 32 allegedly opened fire at Chouni Mohalla late on Tuesday afternoon. Following the clash, heavy security has been deployed in the area.

While Anuradha Nagra is contesting on a BJP ticket from ward 32 — a seat reserved for women — Anita Kharbanda is contesting as an Independent. Sitting BJP councillor from the area and Anuradha's husband Satish Nagra as well as Anita's husband Pawan Kharbanda were injured in the clash. The injured have been admitted at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital and the Civil Hospital.

The clash allegedly broke out when the two groups came face to face near the office of area ACP. Satish Nagra's residence is also located in the same area.

According to Anuradha, she had gone with her supporters to lodge a complaint against Pawan for threatening Satish. "When we reached the office of the area ACP, Kharbanda's supporters also arrived. Before we could do anything, one of them opened fire. Only by God's grace my husband escaped the attack," said Anuradha.

Pawan, however, has a different story to narrate. "Satish started all this. Some children were putting up our posters, when Satish, along with his supporters, beat them up and tore our posters. I, along with my supporters, went to Satish's residence to speak to him. However, when we reached there, Satish's men, who were carrying weapons, started firing at us."

"Satish's supporters did not even let me get medical aid at the Civil hospital and I had to come to DMC for help," added Pawan.

Following the clash, BJP supporters held a rally against police "inaction". "We had warned the police that there could be a law and order situation in the area. But no one was ready to take action. The police were sheltering these men. Even at the time of clash, one of our workers called up the police, but they failed to reach on time," alleged Anuradha.

... contd.

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