CHANDIGARH – A long-standing rivalry over business space at the Sector-26 flower market took a violent turn on Friday night, leaving two young brothers hospitalized with severe stab wounds. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local vending community, prompting calls for increased police presence in the bustling market area.
The Incident: A Dispute Escalated
The victims, identified as Rahul (21) and his elder brother Honey (24), both residents of Bapudham Colony, were managing their flower stall during their regular night shift. According to eyewitnesses, a verbal altercation broke out around 10:30 PM with a fellow vendor, Imran Qureshi.
What began as a heated argument over “stall space boundaries” rapidly turned into a physical assault. Qureshi reportedly retrieved a sharp knife from a nearby stall and attacked the brothers in front of dozens of late-night buyers.
Details of the injuries:
- Rahul (21): Sustained a life-threatening deep wound to the abdomen. He was rushed to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), where he remains in critical condition following emergency surgery.
- Honey (24): Suffered a severe stab wound to the thigh. He is currently stable and receiving treatment at the Govt Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH) in Sector 16.
Police Action and Investigation
Officers from the Sector-26 Police Station arrived at the scene shortly after receiving a call on the 112 emergency helpline. While the victims were being transported to the hospital, the accused, Imran Qureshi, managed to flee the market under the cover of darkness.
A formal case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempt to murder and voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons.
”We have identified the suspect and several teams are conducting raids at his known hideouts in Bapudham and surrounding areas. Preliminary investigation confirms the motive was professional competition and a dispute over designated vending zones.” — Police Spokesperson, UT Chandigarh.
Rising Tensions in Sector-26
This incident follows a series of violent episodes in the Sector-26 area, including a high-profile gang-related shootout at the nearby Timber Market earlier this month. Local traders are now demanding:
- Permanent Police Beat Box: To monitor the market during peak night hours.
- Stricter Enforcement: Better regulation of stall allocations by the Market Committee to prevent “turf wars.”
- CCTV Surveillance: Installation of high-definition cameras in the flower and vegetable market zones.