Shots fired targeting AAP leader’s house in Ludhiana, car set on fire; case filed for attempted murder

Shinda is the president of the Truck Union Pohir (Mandi Ahmedgarh) and the in-charge for the AAP’s transport wing (sub-division Gill of Ludhiana district).

Speaking to The Indian Express, Shinda said that he was being targeted for speaking “against drug peddlers operating in the village.” Police, however, said that personal rivalry was suspected behind the attack.

Shinda said five assailants arrived at his house around 11 pm, brandished weapons, and opened fire at the main gate. They also “demolished the CCTV cameras,” he said. “At least 5-6 bullets struck the gate.”

The accused then allegedly scaled the walls of his house, poured petrol on his Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire car parked inside, and set it on fire before fleeing.

Police said an FIR for attempted murder and other offences was registered at Dehlon police station against one Kuldeep Singh and his four unidentified associates.

Shinda reiterated that he was “being targeted for speaking against the drug trade running in the village.”

“The accused, including Kuldeep Singh, are involved in selling chitta (heroin). I had complained about them to the police before, but he was not arrested. I have been targeted for being vocal against the drug mafia,” said Shinda.

Ludhiana Police’s ACP (South) Harjinder Singh, however, said the attack seemed “more of a personal rivalry.”

“Some months ago, Kuldeep and Sukhwinder had a skirmish. It is more of a village-level political rivalry. We are probing further,” said the ACP.

Inspector Sukhjinder Singh, SHO of the Dehlon police station, said Kuldeep is booked in two previous FIRs, including one for possessing illegal weapons.