Officials are grappling with alarming incidents of crime and accidents plaguing the Chandigarh area, leaving families devastated and communities on high alert.
On February 2, tragedy struck when the mother of a 14-year-old girl reported her daughter missing after returning home from work. The concerned woman, who works as a house help and resides in Sohana, Mohali, frantically searched for her daughter. After some time, the family traced the girl to the Sector 48 Motor Market in Chandigarh, where they found her terrified and complaining of pain.
Upon coaxing, the young girl disclosed to her parents the horrifying truth: she had been gang-raped by three individuals, including one 16-year-old boy. The family immediately rushed her to the civil hospital located in Phase 6, Mohali, where she is currently receiving treatment. Mohali police confirmed the identification of the two other accused, Vijay and Kranti, and stated they will be arrested soon.
The suspects have been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. This tragic incident reflects the growing concern over the safety of minors and the prevalence of sexual violence.
Simultaneously, on Wednesday, another harrowing incident unfolded when 20-year-old Kuldeep Singh was fatally struck by a speeding tipper truck on the road in Handesra, Dera Bassi, as he and his family were returning home from attending a wedding. According to police, the family of three was stopped along the roadside when the truck, bearing Haryana registration, collided with them. Onlookers rushed Singh’s father, Vijender Kumar, 47, and sister, Palak, 14, who sustained serious injuries, to PGIMER, Chandigarh for immediate treatment.
The police confirmed Kuldeep Singh was pronounced dead on the spot. Their investigation led them to find out the truck driver fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle. Subsequently, authorities booked the driver under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving and causing death by negligence.
Adding to the mounting crime concerns, on Thursday afternoon, police officers from Jalandhar rural apprehended Sukhraj Singh, regarded as a “wanted criminal.” Senior Superintendent of Police Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh confirmed the man, involved in more than seven criminal cases, including attempts to murder, sustained a bullet injury during his encounter with law enforcement.
According to SSP Khakh, police had received intelligence about Singh’s movements and launched a special operation to arrest him. Upon their approach, Singh opened fire but was swiftly subdued, resulting in him being injured and taken to the hospital under heavy police guard.
He also has prior criminal offenses related to the Arms Act and NDPS Act. Singh's latest crime involved shooting at the Goyal Petrol Pump on January 14, where he targeted the car of Canadian resident Kulwinder Singh Poon along with accomplices, underlining the serious and violent nature of his criminal activity.
These alarming events occurring within the Chandigarh area have prompted local authorities to address the urgent need for heightened security measures and community awareness. The frightening reality of violence, whether through grievous crimes or traffic accidents, has left many residents questioning their safety and the efficacy of measures being put forth to prevent such occurrences.
The recent incidents highlight pressing concerns surrounding child safety and road regulations, prompting calls for greater enforcement, public education, and protective measures. Community leaders are urged to stay vigilant and proactive to mitigate risks and keep families safe as these tragedies continue to emerge.