Karnal, March 26: A dispute over ancestral land in the Gharaunda region of the district turned violent on Thursday. Two people were killed and about a dozen others were injured in an altercation involving gunfire and attacks with sticks and clubs between two factions vying for control of a field. The condition of several of the injured is reported to be critical.
The incident took place in Mundogarhi village in Gharaunda, where a long-standing land dispute suddenly escalated into a violent clash. According to eyewitnesses, one faction arrived at the site with a tractor, intending to take possession of the field. Meanwhile, members of the opposing faction also reached the spot; following a heated argument between the two groups, gunfire erupted. Within moments, the situation spiraled out of control, and both sides began attacking each other with sticks and clubs.
During the melee, a man named Sabir, belonging to one faction, was run over by a tractor driven by a youth from the opposing side, resulting in his death on the spot. Separately, 65-year-old Wahid, from the other faction, sustained a severe head injury after being struck with a stick. He was admitted to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
It is reported that the dispute over the ancestral land had been ongoing between two biological brothers, Suleman and Aalishan. According to villagers, a transaction regarding the land had taken place several years ago through a third party, and the dispute had persisted ever since, with both factions laying claim to the property.
Approximately 10 to 12 people—including Taleem, Mansood, Gulzar, Wajid, Junaid, and Altaf—sustained injuries in the incident. The condition of two or three of the injured is reported to be critical, and they are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Upon receiving information about the incident, the police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. The DSP of Gharaunda and a CIA team inspected the crime scene. The police have taken custody of both bodies and sent them for a post-mortem examination. According to Investigating Officer Praveen Kumar, the case is related to a land dispute, and statements from both parties are being recorded. The police state that strict action will be taken based on the complaint, and those involved in the incident will not be spared.