Ludhiana: Koom Kalan police have registered cross cases against 27 persons belonging to two rival groups for allegedly engaging in a clash and pelting stones at each other in Chaunta village. The violence is suspected to have been triggered by a dispute over alleged tip-offs to the police regarding drug trafficking activities in the area.Those booked include Jeetu, Sohan, Billa, Meeti, Jyoti, Biro Kaur, Akki, Baljit, Jeeta, Ranjit, Pappu Singh, Dalvir Kaur, Pinky Kaur, Gaam Singh, Satnam Singh, Sonia Kaur, Bhola Singh, Duman Singh, Mano Kaur, Sunny, Lakha, Gurpreet Singh, Gora, Laddi Singh, Mithu Singh, Sattu, Karan and Arja.According to local sources, tensions escalated days after police conducted raids in the village in connection with a drug-related case. Residents alleged that members of one group suspected their rivals of informing the police, leading to an attack. In response, the other group allegedly claimed that false information had been passed on to law enforcement and accused their opponents of involvement in drug peddling.Police sources said both groups pelted bricks and stones during the clash, creating panic in the area and endangering residents, children and passersby. Investigators have also obtained a video of the incident, which is being examined as part of the probe.A case has been registered under Sections 194(2) (rioting-related offences) and 125 (acts endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.Investigating officer ASI Vijay Kumar said police are verifying whether any of the accused are involved in drug peddling. Raids are being conducted to arrest the accused, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
