Ludhiana, Punjab, has recently been grappling with troubling crime incidents and significant health issues, reflecting deep-rooted societal challenges. A shooting incident on the night of February 25, 2025, left 18-year-old Amit Kumar critically injured, raising alarms about the safety and well-being of the community.
The violent clash took place at Malhotra Chowk, where Amit was shot once in the chest during altercations involving rival groups. According to police reports, the assailants, identified as Raju, Ehan, Tallu, and Lucky, along with six unidentified accomplices, are currently at large. The incident caught the attention of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sulakhan Singh of the PCR motorcycle squad, who arrived on the scene following reports of the clash. "Upon reaching, we found Amit lying injured and immediately rushed him to the medical center. His condition is reported stable after being admitted to PGIMER Chandigarh," noted the ASI.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting appeared to stem from longstanding rivalries among local groups, with police suspecting Amit may have been collateral damage — simply present at the wrong place and time with his aides, Bittu and Pradeep, when the conflict broke out.
This incident is not isolated; Ludhiana has been facing more than just violent outbreaks. Recent data reveals alarming trends concerning health issues, particularly the rising incidence of HIV among intravenous drug users (IDUs). According to the Punjab State Aids Control Society (PSACS), the Ludhiana district has, over the past couple of years, reported the highest number of HIV-positive cases among IDUs statewide. The figures rose drastically from just 12% of patients being IDUs in 2012 to 59% by 2024.
"There is a significant increase in people getting infected with HIV due to the sharing of unsterilised needles. Earlier it was largely thought to be sexually transmitted, but now intravenous drug use has emerged as the predominant concern," stated Dr. Bobby Gulati from PSACS. He emphasized the necessity for immediate policy action focused on this demographic to address the epidemic.
Health responses have included government initiatives, including the "Target Intervention Project for HIV AIDS Prevention," which involves distributing clean needles through non-governmental organizations to drug users. Dr. Inderjit Dhingra, who operates Dr. Kotnis Acupuncture Hospital and Education Centre, explained, "If we can’t control the drug menace, we can at least control the infections caused by needle sharing." The program aims to reach drug users and mitigate the risk of disease transmission.
Despite these interventions, there remains significant work to be done. Many new drug users remain unaware of the programs available for needle exchange, leading to continued practices of sharing equipment—a primary vector for the spread of HIV.
The situation is exacerbated by public perception and social stigma around drug users, complicate efforts to combat both crime and health risks. While violence and drug issues separately impact the community, they are interlinked, presenting complex challenges for local authorities and civic organizations.
On February 28, 2025, the police arrested Rupinder Singh for his alleged involvement in another shooting incident at a local store, highlighting the broader crime wave affecting Ludhiana. A complaint from the store owner’s father led to the filing of charges against Singh and his associates, demonstrating the urgent need for law enforcement to contain rising violence.
The dual crises of gun violence and public health present significant hurdles for Ludhiana. Policymakers and community leaders must prioritize comprehensive strategies addressing the underlying factors contributing to both crime and health crises. Engaging the public and raising awareness are key steps toward fostering safer neighborhoods and healthier lives.
Ludhiana, once lauded for its industrial growth, is now at a crossroads, grappling with severe social issues demanding immediate, concerted action from all stakeholders involved.