Garhwal Post Bureau
Haridwar, 28 Jan: Tension gripped Panjanheri village under the limits of Kankhal police station this morning when gunfire erupted during a dispute over land. The incident took place in the presence of an administrative team that had reached the village to inquire into complaints of illegal encroachment on government land. During the altercation, Sachin Chauhan, brother of Haridwar District Panchayat Vice President Amit Chauhan, sustained a gunshot injury under suspicious circumstances. Soon after the incident, the accused released a video statement in connection with the firing.
The land dispute turned violent when Sachin Chauhan was seriously injured after being shot and was immediately rushed to hospital for treatment. Another villager, Kishanpal, also sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the District Hospital. The condition of both the injured was stated to be critical, following which they were referred to a higher medical centre for advanced treatment. On receiving information, the SP City along with other senior police officers reached the spot. After being administered initial treatment, Sachin Chauhan, who suffered a bullet injury in the abdomen, was shifted to a higher centre.
The Police officials said the administrative team had arrived at the site this morning to examine complaints related to the illegal occupation of government land. During the inquiry, a heated argument broke out between two groups, which soon escalated into a physical scuffle between Atul Chauhan from one side and BJYM State Secretary Tarun Chauhan. Amid the rising tension, gunshots were suddenly fired, resulting in bullet injuries to Sachin Chauhan and Kishanpal.
The firing led to a stampede-like situation at the scene, causing panic among those present. Kankhal police personnel and senior officers reached the spot to bring the situation under control. Both injured persons were taken to hospital, where their condition was assessed as critical, and they were subsequently referred to AIIMS Rishikesh.
SP City Abhay Pratap Singh said a land dispute between two parties in Panjanheri village resulted in two persons being shot. He confirmed that after initial treatment at the District Hospital, the injured were referred to a higher centre and a police team has been deployed at the spot to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.
According to reports, the administrative machinery was present in Panjanheri village to verify complaints regarding the occupation of government land when a clash broke out between two factions associated with the Uttarakhand BJP. Eyewitnesses stated that a verbal altercation first took place between Atul Chauhan and BJYM State Secretary Tarun Chauhan, which quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. Amid the scuffle, gunshots were fired and within moments Sachin Chauhan fell to the ground with bullet injuries, while his relative Kishanpal was also struck.
Following the incident, the accused, Atul Chauhan, released a video claiming that he opened fire in self-defence, asserting that he had used his licenced firearm during the altercation.
