Jalandhar, October 25: A dispute during the Bhagwan Maharishi Valmiki Shobha Yatra in Jalandhar has sparked controversy after a local family alleged that a man displayed a pistol and threatened them during the religious procession. The family further claimed that several individuals later entered their residence and intimidated its members after a complaint was made to the police. The allegations have raised concerns among residents, who have called for an impartial investigation into the incident.
According to complainant Arun Kumar, the confrontation took place on Friday when devotees had gathered to participate in the religious procession. Kumar alleged that a person identified as Ankush Shota, accompanied by several associates, became involved in an argument and displayed a pistol during the gathering. He claimed that the accused threatened him in connection with an earlier dispute. The situation reportedly became tense before local residents and BJP leader Ashwani Atwal intervened to prevent the disagreement from escalating further.
Following the confrontation, Kumar and his family approached Police Division No. 5 to report the alleged threats. However, the family claimed that the situation worsened while they were pursuing their complaint. According to Kumar, a group of approximately 25 to 30 young men allegedly reached their residence and entered the premises without permission. The family accused the group of creating a disturbance and intimidating those present inside the house.
Kumar further alleged that the individuals behaved aggressively towards women and elderly family members. He claimed that some members of the group pushed residents and attempted to damage household belongings. The disturbance reportedly attracted the attention of neighbours, who gathered outside the property. According to the complainant, the group subsequently left the location. The precise sequence of events and the identity of everyone allegedly involved remain unverified.
Referring to the background of the dispute, Kumar claimed that tensions between the parties were not new. He alleged that his brother Vishal had been attacked approximately two years earlier in an incident involving the same individual. Kumar said the family had remained concerned about its safety since the earlier confrontation and that the latest allegations had intensified those fears. The circumstances and legal outcome of the previous incident have not been independently confirmed.
The complainant has urged senior Jalandhar Police officials to examine the circumstances surrounding both incidents and take appropriate action if the allegations are established. The family has also requested an investigation into the alleged display of a firearm during the religious procession and asked authorities to determine whether any weapon involved was legally possessed. Kumar said the family wanted protection from further intimidation and expected the matter to be investigated fairly.
The reported confrontation has drawn attention because it allegedly occurred during a religious procession attended by devotees and local families. Residents have expressed concern about disputes affecting the peaceful atmosphere of community celebrations. The allegations have also prompted calls for appropriate security arrangements during large public gatherings to ensure that participants can observe religious occasions without fear of confrontation.
At the time of preparing this report, official confirmation regarding an FIR, arrests or any recovery of a weapon was not available. The police version of the incident and the response of the individuals named in the complaint are awaited. All allegations remain subject to investigation, and no conclusion regarding criminal responsibility can be drawn at this stage.
For permission to reuse our original reporting or images, contact The Jalandhar Times.
