Ludhiana: 22-year-old shot during clash over social media trolling

A 22-year-old man was shot late Saturday night in Shakti Nagar, Ludhiana, during a clash stemming from an old rivalry. The conflict escalated due to trolling on social media, according to police.

The injured individual, Balraj Chauhan, suffered a bullet wound to his back and is currently being treated at Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH). His condition is reported as stable, but his statement has not yet been recorded.

Police have identified three suspects involved in the incident: Kaka, Vishu, and China. They stated that cases will be filed against both groups involved in the altercation.

Authorities explained that the clash was not spontaneous. It arose from a long-standing rivalry that had been fueled by online interactions, including trolling and provocative exchanges on Instagram. These interactions intensified and led to a physical confrontation.

Members of both groups gathered in Shakti Nagar around midnight, armed with knives and other sharp weapons, while one group also had a firearm. During the fight, a shot was fired, injuring Balraj.

The Tibba police were alerted after residents heard gunfire and came outside. Eyewitnesses reported seeing members of both factions wielding sharp weapons.

Sub-inspector Amarjit Singh, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Tibba police station, noted that the rivalry between the groups is longstanding. They have clashed before, and the hostility continued online before turning violent.

“Kaka, one of the named suspects, is already facing a case related to firing, while the criminal backgrounds of the other suspects are being verified. Further arrests are expected as the investigation continues,” he added.