Ludhiana: A 67-year-old newspaper hawker was brutally assaulted and robbed by two masked snatchers in New Shimlapuri area early Thursday morning. The victim was identified as Vinod.Akhil, the victim’s son, said Vinod was on his way to Ghanta Ghar on his scooter to collect newspapers as part of his daily routine. When he reached Shivpuri Chowk, two masked motorcycle-borne men began following him. He said his father initially took cover behind a trolley and tried to move ahead, but the assailants intercepted him near Tutiyan Wala Mandir in the Daresi area.According to Akhil, the attackers pushed his father off his scooter, kicked him repeatedly and stabbed him with a sharp-edged weapon. After he fell unconscious, the accused allegedly snatched around Rs 4,000 and his mobile phone before fleeing.Sources said a passerby helped the injured man contact his family, who then rushed him to DMC Hospital. Akhil said his father suffered severe head and internal injuries and required surgery. He added that the family wanted justice and immediate arrest of the accused.Meanwhile, local sources said police reached the spot after the incident and began an investigation. They said CCTV footage from cameras installed in the area was being examined to identify the suspects.
